Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren recently joined Navajo Division of Transportation (NDOT) crews on Road N15 to observe ongoing efforts to maintain roadways, repair potholes, and improve transportation infrastructure across the Navajo Nation.
Accompanied by NDOT Division Director Tom Platero and road maintenance personnel, President Nygren watched crews repair potholes and discussed the daily work required to keep roads safe for families, school buses, emergency responders, and commuters.
Road maintenance involves much more than filling potholes. NDOT crews regularly identify problem areas, conduct repairs, maintain cattle guards, improve drainage systems, and address roadway hazards affecting thousands of drivers. During the visit, staff demonstrated the use of Unique Paving Material (UPM), a repair method that involves clearing debris and moisture before filling and compacting damaged pavement to create longer-lasting repairs.
“These crews are out here every day doing important work that directly impacts our communities,” President Nygren said. “Whether someone is driving to work, taking their children to school, responding to an emergency, or hauling supplies, safe roads matter. We appreciate the dedication of our NDOT employees who work hard to maintain and improve our transportation system.”
Under the Nygren Administration, more than $400 million has been approved for road and transportation projects across the Navajo Nation. The investment represents an eightfold increase in transportation funding and has established a new benchmark for infrastructure development. Road maintenance efforts have doubled to more than 30 miles per chapter annually, improving access and safety in communities throughout the Nation.
These investments are delivering measurable results. NDOT crews have repaired more than 6,000 potholes across the Navajo Nation, while major transportation projects along Highway 264, Highway 64, and other critical corridors continue moving forward.
The visit also highlighted NDOT’s expanding workforce and commitment to long-term capacity building. During the past two years, the department has hired 74 new employees, making it the largest workforce in NDOT history. NDOT continues recruiting equipment operators, welders, transit employees, and maintenance personnel to expand services across all Navajo Nation agencies.
In addition to roadway maintenance, NDOT is increasing cattle guard repair and maintenance efforts. Properly functioning cattle guards help keep livestock off roadways and improve safety for motorists. Maintaining these structures often requires heavy equipment, traffic control measures, and significant labor to remove accumulated dirt and debris.
President Nygren also highlighted NDOT’s partnership with Workforce Development and the University of New Mexico-Gallup to provide Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training opportunities. The program helps create career pathways for Navajo workers while strengthening the department’s workforce.
The Navajo Nation continues encouraging qualified applicants to explore career opportunities with NDOT as the department expands services and works to meet the growing transportation needs of communities across the Nation.
