LOVING, NM — A four phase project to rebuild portions of U.S. 285 in Eddy County has begun. The first two phases will take place between mile markers 0 to 7 and 16 to 18 along the U.S. 285 corridor for nearly $56 million.

The New Mexico Department of Transportation, City of Carlsbad, Eddy County, Permian Strategic Partnership, Permian Road Safety Coalition, and several others identified a need to expand the road for safety improvements.

"I have committed over and over to delivering essential roadway improvements to southeast New Mexico," said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. "And in my term we have already secured more than ten-fold the previous spending for that portion of our state."

“I am extremely pleased to see this project get off the ground,” said Department of Transportation Secretary Mike Sandoval. “This is a project that is much anticipated and will support our oil and gas industry and local communities in Southeastern, New Mexico.”

The first phase of work from mile markers 0 to 7, will require lane closures to allow trucks to haul material to the work zone and build detours for emergency vehicles and through traffic. Traffic will be restricted to one lane between mile markers 16 to 18 while the bridge replacement portion of the project takes place.