Join the Public Meeting (virtually) to learn more!
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
6:00 to 7:30 PM (MT)
Project Overview
Background information
The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, has completed a comprehensive Phase IA/B Study for New Mexico State Highways 31 (NM 31) and 128 (NM 128). This study included public outreach to gather input and feedback from local communities. During this process, various intersection and corridor alternatives were evaluated, leading to recommendations for improvements to be advanced into the design phase.
Initially, the project was planned to move forward as a design-build process, with the goal of starting construction as soon as possible. However, several factors led to a shift in approach. These factors included the high estimated construction costs – around $600 million to complete all the improvements – and environmental challenges. Some environmental considerations in specific segments, especially those involving archaeological sites and endangered species, presented significant obstacles for a design-build method. The lengthy process of acquiring the necessary right-of-way also contributed to delays.
What is the current project status?
NMDOT is moving forward with two major phases of improvements to NM 128 aimed at enhancing safety, traffic flow, and overall infrastructure within and near Jal, NM.
NM 128 PHASE 1 – Phase 1 involves a three-mile segment of NM 128 located between mileposts 50.6 and 53.7 within the City of Jal. NMDOT has completed the design and is on track for the construction of Phase 1, which is scheduled to begin Summer 2025.
Phase 1 improvements include: road reconstruction, addition of turning lanes at major turnouts, intersection and storm drainage improvements, installation of traffic signals and street lighting, railroad crossing enhancements, and installation of updated signage and striping.
NM 128 PHASE 2 – Phase 2 involves segments on NM 128 located between mileposts 26.9 and 32.8 and between mileposts 36.5 and 39.4. As part of ongoing project development, NMDOT underwent a value engineering process in the spring of 2025, as required by the Federal Highway Administration. This process helped identify cost-saving measures and fine-tuned the project scope for Phase 2. NMDOT is currently focused on finalizing the design, incorporating the results of the value engineering process, and preparing detailed construction documents. Phase 2 construction is anticipated to start Winter 2025.
Phase 2 improvements include: expansion of the existing 2-lane roadway into a 4-lane facility, addition of wider shoulders and a depressed earthen median, improved turning movements at intersections and turnouts, and lighting at major intersections.
NM 31-NM 128 Study Area Map (click on image to enlarge).
What are the next steps?
The NMDOT is continuing to move forward with the design recommendations for the rest of the corridor made during the initial study. Ongoing public outreach will provide updates on work zones and detour routes, traffic control plans and access changes, and project progress and timeline adjustments
NMDOT will continue working toward improving these vital corridors to enhance safety, traffic flow, and overall travel experience for the public.
County
Eddy and Lea
Status
Design
District
District 2
Contact
Sherri Holliefield
SRD Region Manager
(575) 202-6594
STIP Number - DESIGN
STIP Number - CONSTRUCTION
CN 2104333 (NM 128 Phase 1)
CN 2104334 (NM 128 Phase 2)
Public Involvement
JOIN THE VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING!
The purpose of this meeting is to share updated information about planned roadway improvements for NM 128 and the proposed construction phasing. Recordings of the meeting and presentation will be made available on this page.
Meeting Details
WHEN: Wednesday, April 30th, 2025 between 6:00 and 7:30 PM (MT)
WHERE: Zoom Webinar (see details below)
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89174019626
Join via audio:
888 475 4499 US Toll Free
Webinar ID: 891 7401 9626
To Request Assistance
To request assistance, language translation, or ADA accommodations, please contact Candace Barela at 575-201-8283 or by email at candace.barela@dot.nm.gov.
To Share Comments and Questions
To share project-related comments and questions, contact Emily Engelbart by May 14th through email, mail, phone or the online comment form.
MAILING ADDRESS:
WSP USA c/o Emily Engelbart
Attn: NM 128
2440 Louisiana Blvd. NE, Suite 400
Albuquerque, NM 87110
PHONE: (505) 878-6554
EMAIL: emily.engelbart@wsp.com
NM 128 (Phases 1 & 2) Update on Design & Construction Comment Form
CN 2104330
Previous Public Involvement
Additionally, a project open house was conducted in Jal on October 23, 2023, to inform the public of project phasing and access impacts in advance of construction beginning on a three-mile segment on the east end of NM 128 in Jal.
Project Resources
NM 31/128 Road Reconstruction Projects
PROJECT TIMELINE
Summer 2022
- Phase 1-A/B Corridor Study Approved
Fall 2023
- Open House in Jal for NM 128 Phase 1 Design
Summer 2024 - Winter 2025
- Conduct Supplemental Environmental Analysis
- Prepare Environmental Documentation
Spring 2025
- Complete Final Design for NM 128 Phase 1
- Conduct Value Engineering for Phase 2 Design
- Public Meeting (virtual) for NM 128 Phase 2 Design
Summer 2025
- Complete Final Design for NM 128 Phase 2
- Anticipated Start of NM 128 Phase 1 Construction
Winter 2025
- Anticipated Start of NM 128 Phase 2 Construction