The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) is conducting a study along Interstate 10 (I-10), spanning from the I-10/University Interchange (milepost 141) to the I-10/I-25 Interchange (milepost 144) on the west side of Las Cruces, New Mexico. The corridor within the study limits is a rural, divided four-lane roadway with 10-ft outside shoulders, 4-ft inside shoulders, and a depressed median with cable barrier.  The posted speed limit on I-10 is 65 miles per hour. 

The goal of this study is to thoroughly assess the current condition and safety of the corridor. It will focus on identifying areas for improvement, including road conditions, ramps, lighting, drainage, and potential updates to the merge lane at the I-25 southbound to I-10 westbound interchange. The study will also evaluate the need for a six-lane roadway, better acceleration and deceleration lanes, and functional upgrades.

In addition, the study will explore options for a new interchange near the I-10/Arrowhead Interchange (around milepost 143) to improve access to New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Park and surrounding developments. This will include examining economic growth potential and the impact of new infrastructure along the interstate. The final recommendations will be outlined in a combined Phase I-A/B Report.

The study team is currently gathering data on existing conditions and developing some preliminary improvement alternatives. This fall, the team plans to present the findings to the community to gather feedback and help refine the proposed options. Once public input is incorporated and the alternatives will be further analyzed, a prioritization plan will be created. This plan will guide phased implementation as funding becomes available.