NM 528
Project Overview
NMDOT is committed to both short-term, actionable improvements and long-term strategies that enhance safety and traffic flow for the entire NM 550 and US 550 area, including the NW Loop. We appreciate the City of Rio Rancho’s collaboration and remain fully aligned in working toward meaningful, data-driven improvements for the community.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) continues to coordinate with the City of Rio Rancho on the ongoing traffic and safety evaluations along NM 528, US 550, and the surrounding corridor. This includes communication regarding the traffic study, speed study, and next steps for the NM 528 & Pasilla area.
As part of this coordinated effort, NMDOT shared preliminary draft copies of the signal-warrant analysis for both NM 528 and US 550 with the Rio Rancho Public Works team for their review (also available on this webpage). Secretary Serna and District Three staff also met directly with Rio Rancho’s Mayor, City Manager and Traffic Engineer to discuss the collected data.
- On December 18, 2025, NMDOT provided an overview of the immediate and long-term safety measures that will be implemented based on findings from both the speed study and traffic study.
- On January 15, 2026, NMDOT presented a recommendation to the State Transportation Commission regarding the use of speed cameras, and the State Transportation Commission approved the request.
- On Friday, January 16, 2026, a Town Hall was hosted by Rep. Alan Martinez, House Minority Whip | District 23. NMDOT attended the event, provided an update, and answered questions.
NM 528/Pasilla Intersection Improvements Moving Forward (update April 2026)
NMDOT District 3 is moving ahead with interim safety improvements at the NM 528/Pasilla intersection. The District’s Traffic Engineer has completed a new layout for the area, which has been provided to the District’s vendor for implementation. These interim upgrades will include installing new delineators and restriping to increase visibility and guide safer travel through the intersection. The delineators will create right in/right out access at Pasilla for southbound NM 528 and at Riverside for northbound NM 528. The vendor anticipates completing this work during the summer.
For the long term solution, NMDOT has added the project to the Transportation Improvement Program/Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (TIP/STIP) for planning years 2029–2030. The project has received federal approval to be added, and a control number will be issued soon. Once design work begins, the project is expected to take approximately 18 months to reach the Plans, Specifications, and Estimate (PSE) stage. Construction of traffic signals cannot proceed until the required signal warrants are met, as outlined by the MUTCD and federal funding guidelines.