The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) completed a highway corridor study of Interstate 40 (I-40) from the Arizona State Line to the Atrisco Vista Interchange in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The I-40 Corridor Study study assessed 150 miles of I-40 and alternate routes between mileposts 0 and 150 (Figure 1). The I-40 Corridor Study documents the process used to identify the preferred alternative for needed improvements to the I-40 corridor consistent with the NMDOT’s Location Study Procedures. The I-40 Corridor Study:

• Identifies and evaluates the conditions that may require improvements between now and 2050.
• Identifies and evaluates improvement options.
• Identifies the preferred alternative for improvements to accommodate expected growth and improve traffic operations and reliability; traveler safety; and the condition of I-40 and associated infrastructure.

Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Improvements –

ITS technologies augment traditional roadway infrastructure by integrating advanced communications technologies to improve transportation operations, efficiency, and reliability. Proposed ITS improvements for I-40 include:

• Data Collection Stations – Upgrade existing data collection systems on I-40 and add additional stations.
• Cameras, Messaging Signs, and Weather Information Systems – NMDOT currently has 9 cameras, 5 messaging signs, and 2 weather information systems that provide real-time information to drivers on I-40. Existing messaging signs would be replaced and additional cameras are proposed.
• Fiber Optic Communications Network – Expanding the existing 25-mile fiber optic network to the entire 150-mile corridor is proposed to connect ITS devices and improve the information provided to travelers
• District 6 Traffic Management Center – Development of a Traffic Management Center in District 6 is proposed to enable remote ITS operations and management and to coordinate with key stakeholders such as police, state patrol, and emergency services.
• Truck Parking Availability System – This system would provide information on available truck parking at corridor rest stops.

Minimize Lane Closures during Construction and Maintenance –

This includes developing and implementing approaches to minimize disruptions to traffic during construction and maintenance activities such as:

• Maintaining 2 travel lanes on I-40 in each direction during construction.
• Developing and implementing policies to maintain 2 travel lanes on I-40 as much as possible during daytime hours. This may include doing maintenance during nighttime or off-peak hours when 2 travel lanes cannot be maintained.

Improve Alternate Routes –

This includes improving existing frontage roads adjacent to I-40 by:

• Repairing or replacing bridges and pavement on existing routes, where needed.
• Considering the removal of constraints for trucks on existing alternate routes located near milepost 8.4 on NM 118 west of Gallup and milepost 90.6 on NM 124 east of Grants.

Improve Incident Management –

Widening roadway shoulders on I-40 will improve the ability of emergency responders to respond to incidents and get traffic moving. NMDOT will continue to work with the legislature and law enforcement to enhance incident management through improved coordination and training and supporting incident response.