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
You’re Invited to the Final Public Meeting on the Widening of University Avenue from Avenida de Mesilla to South Main Street
Update as of Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 @ 5:30-7 p.m.
Zia Middle School Cafeteria
1300 New Mexico State Road 101
Las Cruces, NM 88005
Purpose of Meeting
At this meeting, the New Mexico Department of Transportation construction team will review what has been done as part of this project and what is remaining during the contractor’s punch list (final to-do list). The team will also answer questions and accept comments. Mayor Russell Hernandez will be in attendance to address any Town concern.
Purpose of Project
This project, which began in mid-December 2024, included the following:
- Widening of 1.419 miles of NM 101 (University Avenue) from Avenida de
- Mesilla to South Main Street
- New curb and gutter
- New sidewalks
- New multi-use path
- ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) ramps
- New storm drain and drainage structures
- New signage and roadway striping
- New lighting and railroad crossings
For more information visit https://www.dot.nm.gov/universitynm101/.
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