There is a problematic intersection located 1 mile west of Edgewood, just south of I-40, where NM 333 meets NM 217 (Figure 1).  This intersection currently experiences problems with traffic flow and vehicle crashes. During the morning and evening rush hours, traffic regularly backs up, especially on NM 217, and there have also been several serious injury crashes at this location.

An analysis of crashes at the intersection between 2018 and 2022 (the most recent data available at the time) showed a high rate of injury and fatal crashes. Many of these crashes were related to speeding and dangerous turning movements. Since 2022, additional crashes have occurred at this location, including multiple serious injury crashes and at least one fatality.

NM 333 / NM 217 Safety Analysis

To better understand the problems at the intersection and identify potential solutions, the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) completed the NM 333 / NM 217 Intersection Operations and Safety Analysis in 2025. The report evaluated traffic operations, driver behavior, and safety performance to determine the most effective improvements.

Speed Analysis

The speed study found that typical vehicle speeds at the intersection are slightly higher than the posted speed limit. Most drivers were observed traveling 6 to 8 miles per hour over the speed limit. These higher speeds were identified as a contributing factor to the severity of crashes at the intersection.

Turning Movement Analysis

The turning movement analysis showed that northbound and southbound traffic on NM 217 often experiences long wait times when attempting to turn onto NM 333. These delays can lead to driver frustration and increase the likelihood of risky or dangerous turning maneuvers.

Improvements Considered and Recommendations

Following the initial public meeting held in April of 2026, the NMDOT and its project team reviewed and analyzed comments and concerns regarding the potential implementation of a signal or roundabout at the NM 333/217 intersection. Concerns and support were raised for both the signalized intersection and for the roundabout alternative. After detailed analysis and review, the NMDOT has decided to proceed with the implementation of a roundabout.  

A roundabout was the selected alternative as it provides the greatest improvements for three major areas of concern currently experienced at the intersection: 

• Reduction of severe injury and fatal crashes: approximately an 80% reduction in injury crashes and 100% reduction in fatal crashes (https://highways.dot.gov/media/9206). This is compared to a 44% reduction for a 4-way traffic signal (https://cmfclearinghouse.fhwa.dot.gov/detail.php?facid=325). 

• Reduction in speeds: the geometric design for the roundabout will promote vehicles to slow when approaching the intersection  

• Improved traffic flow: the roundabout shows more improvement in reducing delays, particularly during the morning and evening traffic rush hours  

• Concerns regarding a roundabout were raised by the public during the initial phase of public engagement. Frequent areas of concern included: 

• • How will the roundabout accommodate a significant influx of traffic when I-40 is closed down? 

• • Can the roundabout handle larger vehicles that are likely to use the intersection such as semitrucks and horse trailers? 

• • How will the roundabout function during inclement weather conditions?

  • Can the roundabout be implemented within existing right-of-way?

Each of these concerns, and others raised during the first public engagement effort, were considered in detail during the final selection of an alternative. A detailed breakdown of comments and questions received during the engagement efforts is provided in the Public Outreach Summary found below.