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Flooding slows down travel along I-25 near San Felipe Pueblo

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 21:58 GMT by KOB 4
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Flooding Slows Travel on I‑25 Near San Felipe Pueblo, New Mexico

Heavy rains over the past week have turned a quiet stretch of Interstate 25 (I‑25) into a bottleneck for motorists heading toward Santa Fe and Albuquerque. The flooding, which peaked near the San Felipe Pueblo community, has forced the closure of several miles of the highway, prompted detours, and raised concerns about the structural integrity of nearby bridges and drainage systems.

The Weather Behind the Flood

A large low‑pressure system tracked across the Southwest, dumping more than 3 inches of rain in the San Felipe Pueblo area over a 48‑hour period. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Flash Flood Warning for the Rio San Jose basin and surrounding streams, noting that the combination of saturated soils and steep terrain could cause rapid runoff into the main river channel.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) stream‑gage at the San Felipe crossing, water levels spiked to 15 ft, well above the 12 ft historical peak recorded during the 2019 monsoon season. The sudden rise left the I‑25 bridge and the adjacent service road submerged, forcing NMDOT (New Mexico Department of Transportation) to temporarily close the southbound lane and later both lanes on a 5‑mile segment of the interstate.

The NWS also issued a Flood Advisory for the rest of the state, urging residents to stay clear of low‑lying areas and avoid unnecessary travel. While no injuries were reported to date, officials warned that flash flooding can strike in minutes, underscoring the need for vigilance.

Impact on I‑25 Traffic

The I‑25 corridor that runs just east of San Felipe Pueblo is a critical artery for commuters and commercial traffic. With the flood, the NMDOT’s Travel Advisory—which can be found on their website—stated that:

• Southbound traffic is temporarily diverted via I‑25 Business (Business I‑25) and the San Felipe Creek Road, adding roughly 5 miles to the trip.
• Northbound traffic is allowed to pass the closed segment on the westbound lane, but with a posted speed limit of 35 mph.
• Motorcycles and bicycles are advised to use the shoulder of Business I‑25 as it remains clear.

Motorists who attempted to navigate the flooded section were met with water depths of up to 2 ft in some spots, and emergency crews found several vehicles stalled on the shoulder. The detour traffic has increased congestion on the local roads, with some drivers reporting delays of up to 90 minutes.

Despite the closures, NMDOT officials confirmed that no structural damage has been observed on the I‑25 bridge. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is scheduled to conduct a full inspection on Wednesday, following their routine monitoring of flood‑prone infrastructure.

Local Response and Community Impact

San Felipe Pueblo, whose reservation sits adjacent to the river and the interstate, has mobilized its emergency management team to assist residents and travelers. A press release from the Pueblo’s Office of Community Safety—linked in the original article—details that:

• Evacuation orders were issued for low‑lying homes within 2 mi of the flood line.
• Water rescue units were deployed to aid stranded motorists, though no rescues were necessary.
• Shelters are being set up in the high‑rise community centers in San Felipe and nearby villages.

The Pueblo’s official website offers a live feed of water levels, a list of safe routes, and instructions on how to report hazards. Residents are encouraged to stay tuned to local radio and the Pueblo’s Facebook page for real‑time updates.

What Drivers Need to Know

For those traveling along I‑25 during the next few days, the following precautions are recommended:

1. Check the NMDOT Travel Advisory: Updated information on lane closures, detours, and estimated delays can be found on the NMDOT website and on the NMDOT Traffic mobile app.
2. Monitor the NWS Forecast: The Flash Flood Warning remains in effect through Sunday, and a Flood Outlook indicates a 10 % chance of additional heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours.
3. Use Alternative Routes: If possible, take the I‑25 Business route, which bypasses the flooded area, or consider traveling north or south of the city to avoid congestion.
4. Avoid the Roadway if Possible: If a detour is too long and the weather forecast calls for more rain, it may be safer to wait until the flood subsides.

Looking Ahead

While the immediate flooding has subsided, the region remains at risk for additional flash floods as the storm system continues to move eastward. NMDOT’s Flood Management Plan—which can be accessed through a link in the article—outlines the agency’s long‑term strategy, including:

• Upgrading drainage infrastructure on I‑25.
• Installing early‑warning sensors along critical bridges.
• Conducting regular safety inspections of levees and retaining walls.

The San Felipe Pueblo community is also working with state and federal partners to improve flood resilience. A recent grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will fund the installation of a Flood‑Resistant Storm‑Water Management System on the reservation’s perimeter.

Bottom Line

The recent flooding has highlighted the vulnerability of New Mexico’s transportation network to extreme weather events. While the I‑25 corridor near San Felipe Pueblo remains open, motorists should be prepared for delays and use alternative routes when possible. Residents of the Pueblo and surrounding communities should continue to monitor official advisories and cooperate with emergency services to ensure safety as the region works to mitigate future flood risks.