As part of ongoing project development, NMDOT underwent a value engineering process in the spring of 2025, as required by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This process helped identify cost-saving measures and fine-tune the project scope.

Currently, NMDOT is focused on finalizing the design, incorporating the results of the value engineering process, and preparing detailed construction documents. The Department is continuing to move forward with the design recommendations that were made during the initial study. Public outreach efforts are ongoing, ensuring that community members are kept informed about the project’s progress, the outcomes of the value engineering process, upcoming construction phases, and access management and traffic control plans during construction.

The next steps in the project include finalizing the construction documents and completing the right-of-way acquisition process. NMDOT will also be securing funding for the project based on the prioritization of various locations along NM 128, beginning with the most critical segments.

Construction for the first phase of NM 128 intersection improvements is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2025, with the second phase anticipated to start in the fall of 2026. The reconstruction of NM 31 is expected to take several years due to additional design work, funding constraints, and the need for additional coordination with various agencies and the railroad. NMDOT will continue working toward improving these vital corridors to enhance safety, traffic flow, and overall travel experience for the public.