The Interim Transportation Infrastructure Revenue Subcommittee convened on August 21, 2025, to address pressing issues concerning roadway safety and infrastructure in New Mexico. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding traffic fatalities and the need for improvements on key state roads.

The session began with a discussion led by a committee member who expressed personal experiences with the increasing traffic on local roads, noting a troubling rise in fatalities—13 since 2020. The member emphasized that New Mexico ranks fifth in the state for overall crash incidents, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Secretary of Transportation, Aaron Chavarria, provided data indicating that from 2012 to 2023, there were 120 crashes on New Mexico 26, with seven resulting in fatalities. He pointed out that a majority of these incidents involved out-of-town vehicles, often due to risky passing maneuvers. This trend raises concerns about the safety of both local residents and visitors.

Chavarria outlined immediate plans for the roadway, including resurfacing the first 15 miles of New Mexico 26, set to begin in the fall. Additionally, the installation of center line rumble strips aims to reduce driver inattention and enhance safety. Long-term strategies discussed included conducting a road safety audit to explore options for widening the roadway or adding passing lanes, particularly in areas identified as high-risk for accidents.

The committee also addressed the impact of traffic rerouting due to closures on Interstate 40, which has led to increased use of New Mexico 26 as a shortcut. To mitigate this, there are plans to remove signage that directs commercial motor vehicle traffic to this route, encouraging drivers to utilize the interstate instead.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for ongoing evaluation of roadway safety measures and infrastructure improvements to better accommodate the growing traffic demands in the region. The subcommittee plans to continue monitoring crash data and exploring further enhancements to ensure the safety of all road users in New Mexico.