Work could begin in early 2023 on a nearly 40-mile highway widening project in southwestern New Mexico.
With an estimated cost of nearly $144 million, the project would transform a two-lane throughway into a four-lane one, connecting the cities of Bayard and Deming.
Plans to widen U.S. 180 have been explored for more than 30 years, but a new study, along with the New Mexico Department of Transportation, have finally determined the viability of what will likely be a three-phase project.
That study was undertaken by the Albuquerque-based engineering firm Parametrix. Widening the route has also been identified as a priority in the transportation department’s Southwest Regional Transportation Plan.
The current highway has 8-foot shoulders, with no passing lanes, and few intersections allowing for left-turn lanes.
As envisioned, the project will likely include a 6-foot median and 6-foot shoulders. Those shoulders will be designed to accommodate bike traffic.
Local officials say the widening will both lessen the likelihood of accidents on a high-volume route heavily used by trucks, while also serving as a catalyst for economic development.
Environmental documentation and a preliminary design for the project is expected to be completed by early next year, with a phase 1 design development set to be finished next summer.
Funds for the actual construction work have not yet been secured, but are expected to come out of both Santa Fe and Washington.
By Garry Boulard
