NDOT Improves Access to Littlewater Chapter on Navajo Nation

Pavement construction on N481 is currently on-going and expected to be completed by April 2019

Published March 30, 2019

LITTLEWATER, N.M.  The Navajo Department of Transportation (NDOT) is currently paving Navajo Route 481 (N481) and has completed paving Navajo Route 7119 (N7119) both in Littlewater, New Mexico.

N481 is a critical thoroughfare that improves access to both the Littlewater chapter house and the adjacent housing area. The paving of N7119, which connects N481 north to the chapter house area, was completed in December 2018.

The southern end of N481 leads to New Mexico Route 371 which connects to Crownpoint where many area residents buy groceries and send their children to school.

NDOT Executive Director Garret Silversmith said the project is a step toward advancing and improving the Navajo Nation’s transportation system. This is the very first large-scale highway construction project that the Navajo Nation will complete.

Improvements to N481 and N7119 were funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

NDOT completed paving construction on N7119 in December 2018. The paving of N7119 provides reliable access to the Littlewater Chapter.

 

“It’s significant because prior to 2018, under the previous 93-638 option, FHWA projects like this one were either given to the Bureau of Indian Affairs force account, private construction contractors, or the Navajo Engineering Construction Authority,” Silversmith said.

Before construction started, both roads had to undergo Navajo Environmental Protection Agency and archaeological clearances as well as being granted a right of way.

Once the clearances and right of way were in place, NDOT conducted a pre-construction meeting to review construction requirements and establish a Notice to Proceed. On Aug. 6, 2018, NDOT mobilized on site and began earthwork while also placing culverts, fencing and cattle guards.

Silversmith stated that by completing this project in-house utilizing NDOT Roads staff, the Nation has saved significantly, versus if the Nation were to have outsourced and bid out this project.

Littlewater Chapter Vice President Paul D. Pablo said that having the roads paved greatly benefits residents who attend meetings held at the chapter house.

“Weather conditions used to pose problems with rain and snow causing muddy road conditions,” Pablo said. “Right now, with the road paved, it’s good and it helps a lot.”

Road improvements like these greatly contribute to strengthening the safety of area residents while also improving access for school busses and non-emergency medical transportation.

“These projects require community involvement,” Silversmith said. “NDOT would like to thank the Littlewater Chapter for helping bring these projects to fruition.”

Completing the $4.7 million-dollar project encompasses constructing three miles of grade, drainage and paving. Pavement construction is on-going and expected to be completed by April 2019.

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