NMDOT District Two crews prepped for major winter storm
Roswell – The New Mexico Department of Transportation District Two is preparing for a major winter storm headed for southeast New Mexico this week.
“We are encouraging New Mexicans to avoid any unnecessary trips during the storm to help give our road crews room to work,” said District Two Engineer Francisco Sanchez. “For those that must travel, please be safe and prepared, giving yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.”
The forecast for the southeast portion of New Mexico shows potential freezing rain and snow.
“During winter storms, our maintenance crews strive to keep roads passable to help ensure emergency services and essential workers can safely reach their destinations,” said Area Maintenance Supervisor Eddie Sedillo. “But even when we’re out in full force, snow and ice can still accumulate, which is why motorists must take extra precaution if they must travel.”
As a reminder, District Two serves ten counties – Chaves, Curry, De Baca, Eddy, Guadalupe, Lea, Lincoln, Otero, Socorro, Roosevelt, and Torrance. Crews will focus on priority routes with U.S. and N.M. designation.
NMDOT offers the following recommendations for safe winter driving:
- Wear your seatbelt.
- Slow down and leave extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
- Use brakes carefully. It takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions.
- Don’t crowd the plow. If you find yourself behind a snowplow, be patient and give the driver plenty of room to do their job.
- Use extra caution on bridges, ramps, overpasses, and shaded areas since they are likely to freeze first and stay frozen the longest.
The department’s road condition website www.nmroads.com is updated around the clock and is linked to our 511 road condition hotline. The NMRoads mobile app can be downloaded to keep travelers updated on the go.
