Infrastructure Updates
New Mexico Gas Company is committed to infrastructure upgrades that promote safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to the communities we serve. Here are some of our recent projects.
Aging Steel, PVC and ABS Replacement
In 2026, New Mexico Gas Company completed two of the largest infrastructure modernization projects in its history, replacing aging bare and legacy polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic pipelines throughout the statewide distribution system.
The work also included replacing 230 miles of bare steel and ineffectively coated steel main as a part of a program that began in 2002 along with 178 miles of legacy PVC and ABS plastic pipe through a $35 million iniative that was launched in 2007.
The effort has improved system safety, reliability and regulatory compliance by replacing infrastructure that had become more susceptible to corrosion, leaks and brittle failure.
Many of the older pipelines were installed in the 1960s and 1970s. During that era, PVC and ABS pipes were commonly used by small local distribution companies and agricultural operations. This kind of pipe was often installed before more modern corrosion protection, safety standards and pipleine locating methods became common.
Rio Bravo Pipeline Project
New Mexico Gas Company completed a major modernization project along Rio Bravo Boulevard in Albuquerque in 2026, relocating a natural gas transmission pipeline to support planned infrastructure improvements in the South Valley.
The project was required ahead of the New Mexico Department of Transportation's replacement of the Rio Bravo bridge.
Crews installed a new 16-inch underground natural gas transmission pipeline beneath the Rio Grande, allowing the older pipeline, which had been attached to the bridge, to be decommissioned and removed.
The completed relocation has improved the long-term reliability of the natural gas system while ensuring compatibility with future transportation improvements.
Now that the new pipeline is in service, NMDOT is moving forward with plans to replace the aging bridge and expand the number of lanes on Rio Bravo Boulevard, increasing traffic capacity along a busy corridor.
La Plata Pipeline Project
Natural gas is supplying the San Juan County Industrial Park after installation of a 13-mile pipeline extension to expand energy infrastructure and support economic development in northwestern New Mexico.
The extension allowed businesses and property owners along the route to connect to the natural gas system. The industrial park -- near La Plata, north of Farmington -- is attracting new commercial and industrial invements in San Juan County.
The project was partially supported through state capital funding, one of several recent natural gas infrastructure projects that were completed to improve service across northern New Mexico.
