ESPAÑOLA, N.M. —

The state Department of Transportation is planning to close the Oñate bridge indefinitely.

The closure is set for 8 a.m. Saturday, June 7. It comes ahead of monsoon season, which typically starts in the middle of June. The closure will be in place for both vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

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New Mexico Department of Transportation Secretary Ricky Serna provided an explanation for the closure.

"Protecting the traveling public is our highest priority," Serna said. "Given the potential for increased water levels and further scour during monsoon rains, this closure is a proactive step to ensure everyone’s safety."

Engineers will work to address ongoing concerns regarding riverbed erosion around one of the bridge piers

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