“The completion of this $60-million project helps fulfill the governor’s and DOT’s commitment to improve safety, expand infrastructure, and boost the economy in a vitally important area of the state,” said Transportation Secretary Mike Sandoval. “We recognized the need for extensive road improvements in southeast New Mexico, worked hard to secure funding, and forged ahead with the help and support of surrounding businesses, communities, and local, state, and federal entities. It’s truly a collective road improvement project we can all be proud of."
The U.S. 82 corridor is a major highway that connects communities and the oil and gas industries to the heart of Artesia, Lovington, Hobbs, and the Permian Basin. Improvements along the corridor included a mill and overlay of the existing roadway, reconstruction, widening lanes and shoulders, new turn lanes at key intersection, drainage, and other miscellaneous work.
“It has been exciting to watch this project unfold over time,” said District Engineer Francisco Sanchez. “It took four years to complete, but the improvements to this significant corridor will be felt for a long time. Our goals were to improve safety and ease congestion, but our hope is this project will ultimately save lives and enhance the quality of life for southeast New Mexicans while supporting economic development.”
