University Avenue NM 101 Multimodal Project
Patti Watson
Communications Contractor, CWA Strategic Communications
Office: 505-245-3134
Cell: 505-269-9691
1-800-687-3417
pattiw@cwastrategic.com
Ami Evans
NMDOT Public Information Officer District One
Cell: 575-640-5981
ami.evans@dot.nm.gov
Project Overview
Project Purpose
- Widen University Avenue
- Construction of new curb, gutter and sidewalks
- Construction of multi-use path
- Construction of storm drain
- Permanent signs and roadway striping
- New lighting
- Railroad crossings
Updates
CONSTRUCTION MOVES TO PHASE 3-B ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2026
Update as of Monday, February 2, 2026
NM 101/University Avenue to be Closed at South Main Street
On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, crews will move to Phase 3-B of construction. This phase, which is expected to last about two (2) months, will focus on building the entire infrastructure within the BNSF railroad crossing as well as constructing ramps and fine-tuning traffic signal operation.
Traffic Impacts
The following traffic impacts will be in place:
- NM 101/University Avenue will be CLOSED at South Main Street
- Traffic can use South Main Street to West Boutz Road or Avenida de Mesilla as a detour to the north.
- Traffic can use South Main Street to West Union Avenue to Avenida de Mesilla as a detour to the south.
- Two-way traffic (eastbound and westbound) will be open on University Avenue/NM 101 between Avenida de Mesilla and Bowman Street.
- Southbound Avenida de Mesilla is reduced to one lane so crews can install a traffic signal at the intersection of Avenida de Mesilla and NM 101 (University Ave). This work should take about one month.
Access will be maintained to all residences and Zia Middle School. Regular work hours are Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m., although crews may work longer hours or on weekends if needed. Additional construction phases will follow, with the project expected to be completed in fall 2026. All construction is weather permitting and is subject to change without notice
For more information visit https://www.dot.nm.gov/universitynm101/ or wwwnmroads.com.
To sign up for free construction updates, contact Patti Watson (information listed above).
Details
Phase 1A – Mesilla Intersection Ramps
Phase 1A, 1B and 1C are expected to last through May 2025
Crews will:
- Install signs at the beginning and end of project and two variable message signs within the project.
- Build the Avenida de Mesilla intersection ramps at University.
- Install temporary traffic signals.
Phase 1B – Road Closure at Laguna Lateral
Crews will:
- Construct entire Laguna Lateral hydraulic structure and irrigation channel and storm drainpipes.
- All traffic routes will be closed across the Laguna Lateral.
- Detour will be in place along Avenida de Mesilla, West Lincoln Avenue and South Main Street.
- Plans
Phase 1C – North Detour Pavement Widening
Crews will:
- Install detours to begin widening part of the northern portion of University.
- Two-way traffic will remain on existing lanes during nonworking hours.
- A flagger will be on-site as needed to direct one-way traffic during paving operations.
- A detour will be in place and will be provided in advance.
- Plans
Phase 2 – South of Centerline Construction
This phase is expected to last through November 2025.
Crews will:
- Build all remaining infrastructure south of the centerline from the beginning of the project to the railroad
- Build and connect college lateral upgrades and build half of the perpendicular storm drainage pipeline.
- All eastbound traffic on University will be detoured to McDowell and Bowman.
- Plans
Phase 3A – North of Centerline Construction
Phase 3 is expected to last from November 2025 to Summer 2026.
Phase 3 Plans
Crews will:
- Install asphalt pavement north of the construction centerline from the beginning of the project to the railroad and will build and connect the remaining storm drainage pipeline.
- Eastbound traffic on University will be open and westbound traffic will be closed with a one-way eastbound detour.
- Detours will be to Teresita and Boldt Street and to Old Farm and Stanford to build each turnout.
Phase 3B – Road Closure at Railroad Crossing
Crews will:
- Build the infrastructure at the railroad, including ramps and signal operation.
- All traffic will be closed from Bowman to Main Street with a detour.
Phase 3C – Main Street Median Construction
Crews will:
- Remove part of the median and rebuild the median nose.
- Two-way traffic will be opened on University.
Phase 4 – Final Phase
Phase 4 is expected to last from summer to fall of 2026.
Crews will
- Install any remaining asphalt pavement, finish striping the roadway and install permanent signage.
- Temporary lane closures may be required.
Project Maps and Plans
Road Closures and Phases Maps
Phase 1B
Phase 1C
Phase 2
Phase 3
Comment Form - University Ave Multimodal Project, CN LC00290
CN LC00290