large number of new mexico road projects scheduled for 2020

Work on a far-reaching number of New Mexico road upgrading and improvement projects is expected to launch sometime in early 2020.

Earlier this year, members of the New Mexico State Legislature voted to approve more than $389 million in funding for those projects, money that was later approved by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.

One of the targeted areas expected to see the most work is in southeast New Mexico, which is currently experiencing increased large truck traffic as a result of the regional oil and gas exploration boom there.

Around 22 miles of upgrade work on the north-to-south U.S. Highway 285, slicing through Carlsbad and Artesia, is slated to begin early next summer.

Other projects include the construction of the Gibson exit off Interstate 25 in Albuquerque, and the much-anticipated four-lane $3 million Paseo del Volcan, which has long been seen as an economic catalyst for Rio Rancho and Sandoval County.

Southern New Mexico will see up to $18 million being spent on the upgrading of New Mexico State Road 404 in Dona Ana County.

The funding passed by lawmakers last winter for the road work partly came out of increased revenue generated by the strong oil and gas exploration market.

By Garry Boulard

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