Thank you for participating!
Explore the materials shared at the December 10th Open House, and be sure to share your feedback with our team.
U.S. Highway 180 Corridor Safety Scoping Project
West of Silver City to East of Santa Clara (Milepost 111 to Milepost 123)
Control Number 1102290
PROJECT OVERVIEW
U.S. Highway 180 (US 180) is an important east–west route that runs from central Arizona through southern New Mexico and into northern Texas. In southwestern New Mexico, it connects the communities of Silver City, Bayard, and Hurley, and links to major highways such as I-40, NM 26, and NM 90.
The project corridor covers about 11 miles, from just south of Bayard (milepost 123) to just west of Silver City (milepost 111, see Figures 1 and 2). This section is mostly a divided, four-lane roadway, with speed limits ranging from 55 mph in rural areas to 35 mph in town centers. The corridor includes residential neighborhoods, commercial zones, and open spaces, serving local traffic as well as pedestrians and cyclists traveling to nearby schools, Western New Mexico University, sports facilities, and trails.
US 180 also plays a role in community events like the Tour of the Gila, a major cycling race that uses parts of this corridor and NM 90. Wildlife safety is another important concern—this section has been identified as New Mexico’s second-highest priority area for reducing wildlife–vehicle collisions (NMDOT, 2022).
Safety challenges along the corridor include vehicle crashes, wildlife conflicts, and limited infrastructure for pedestrians and bicyclists. The safety scoping effort aims to identify improvements that will reduce crashes, improve safety for all users, and enhance emergency response times. By addressing these issues, the project will help create a safer, healthier, and more connected corridor for everyone who lives, works, and travels in the area.
Where are we in the Project Development Process?
Currently in the planning phase, this project is part of NMDOT’s Target Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries on New Mexico’s roads. It is supported by federal funding from the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), ensuring that safety remains the top priority throughout the process.
The project team is currently collecting data on existing conditions along the corridor. This fall and winter, the team will share findings with the community to gather feedback and help refine potential improvement options. Once public input is incorporated and the alternatives are analyzed, a prioritization plan will be developed to guide phased implementation as funding becomes available.
Figure 1. U.S. 180 Corridor Map between Silver City and Bayard, New Mexico.
Figure 2. U.S. 180 near Santa Clara, New Mexico.
County
Grant
District
District 1
STIP Number
Status
Planning and Design
Contact
Gamaliel Zepeda
South Region Project Development Engineer
575-728-5393
Improving Safety at Key Intersections in Silver City
FIRST PHASE PROPOSED
The first phase identified for this scoping effort (Phase One) focuses on one of Silver City’s busiest areas—the corridor surrounding the US 180/NM 90 intersection (see Figures 3 and 4). This phase includes the segment of US 180 between North Swan Street and Little Walnut Road, as well as the triangular area formed by US 180, East 14th Street, and NM 90 (North Hudson Street).
A Road Safety Audit (RSA) completed in 2023 identified the intersections of US 180 at North Hudson Street, Swan Street, and 14th Street as having the highest crash frequencies in Silver City. The audit identified several key concerns, including a high crash rate, limited pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and opportunities to improve traffic flow and overall safety. The RSA outlines a range of near-, mid-, and long-term recommendations to improve safety for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
The rendering shown in the video below illustrates one alternative currently being considered to address these concerns. This is not a final design, and the alternative may change as the project continues to develop.
The audit also highlighted several existing safety challenges, including:
-
Sidewalks and crossings that don’t meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards
-
Gaps in bicycle routes or infrastructure
-
Faded pavement markings
-
Complicated and confusing intersection layouts
WHAT's NEXT?
These findings are guiding future improvements to make this important area safer, more accessible, and easier for everyone to navigate.
Design development for Phase One has begun. During this stage, engineers and planners will develop detailed plans that incorporate community feedback and safety priorities. Final design plans are expected to be completed by summer 2026, with construction anticipated to begin in fall 2026.
The rendering shown in this video is an alternative being considered that would help improve the concerns identified at the Phase One intersection. NOTE: This is not a final design, and this alternative is subject to change as the project progresses.
Figure 3. Phase One project area map at the US 180/NM 90 Intersection
Figure 4. Aerial view of US 180, NM 90, and 14th Street within Silver City.
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
THANKS FOR JOINING!
The US 180 Silver City Safety Scoping Project Open House on December 10, 2025 at Western New Mexico University was a success, with approximately 60 community members attending. NMDOT shared findings on roadway and intersection conditions, potential safety hazards, and possible improvements to enhance traffic safety for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Attendees from Silver City, Rosedale, Arenas Valley, Santa Clara, and Bayard actively participated, asking questions and sharing feedback.
Share Your Feedback
Public input is still welcome. Please submit comments by January 12, 2026, via email, phone, the online comment form, or printable comment forms. Your input will help shape future safety improvements along the US 180 corridor.
Below are some of the materials shared at the Open House.
For Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Civil Rights Title VI accommodations and/or hard copies of the presentation contact Tyler Pennington with the project team at 505-288-7518 or TPennington@parametrix.com. Por favor comuníquese al lo mismo, pero en espanol. Si desea esta informacion en Español.
PUBLIC EVENT RESOURCES:
Public Event Introduction Presentation
December 2025
Open House Event Information Boards
December 2025
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Question 1: How much funding has been allocated for Preliminary Engineering for CN 1102290?
Answer: $2,798,915 has been allocated for Preliminary Engineering, covering Phase I and Phase II services, which include:
-
-
- Initial development and evaluation of alternatives
- Detailed evaluation of alternatives
- Environmental documentation
- Preliminary design
- Final design
-
Question 2: Has preliminary engineering been completed for the project?
Answer: Preliminary engineering is currently underway:
-
-
- The project is in Phase I, focusing on developing initial alternatives.
- Child Project 1102292 is expected to reach the 30% design milestone in Q1 2026.
- Design milestone dates for the remaining segments are not yet available.
- Once Phase I is complete, a priority plan for the remaining segments will be developed.
-
Question 3: Are construction improvements planned for the intersection of Hwy 90 & Hwy 180?
Answer: Yes, the first child project (1102292) includes planned improvements:
-
-
- Production date: July 2026
- Letting date: September 2026
- Construction start: Likely end of 2026 or early 2027
- As preliminary design progresses, the specific nature of the improvements will be refined and updates will be reflected in the STIP.
-
Question 4: When will the public be able to review the proposed improvements?
Answer: Details will be shared with the public as the preliminary design of 1102292 progresses. Updates will be posted on the STIP and through project communications.
WE WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS!
Please share your input below, by phone, mail, or email no later than January 12, 2026.
EMAIL: US180SafetyScoping@Parametrix.com
PHONE: (505) 288-7518
COMMENT FORM (PDF)
ONLINE COMMENT FORM
The online form below can be used to share your comment or request to be added to the mailing list.
US 180 Silver City Safety Scoping Project Comment Form
CN 1102290
Public Engagement Approach
The public engagement process for this project is designed to give community members and stakeholders meaningful opportunities to share input on all aspects of the scoping project. Feedback will help identify key safety issues along the corridor—especially for pedestrians and bicyclists—while also shaping the project’s goals, priorities, and potential solutions.
A unique aspect of this effort is its two-phase approach. The first phase focuses on the area in Silver City, where safety needs are most urgent, particularly for people walking and biking. At the same time, outreach will consider the broader US 180 corridor, ensuring that local discussions connect to the larger vision for the entire route. As the study progresses, future outreach will continue to include communities throughout the corridor, helping guide improvements that reflect the needs and experiences of everyone who uses US 180.
PROJECT RESOURCES
New Mexico Wildlife Corridors Action Plan
Final Report, NMDOT June 2022
US 180 Safety Scoping Projects
Timeline
Summer 2025
- Conduct data collection and analysis
Fall/WINTER 2025
- PUBLIC EVENT #1 – Dec 10th
- Identify potential phases for improvement
WINTER 2025/2026
- Develop preliminary design plans for Phase 1
- Conduct cultural and biological resources surveys for Phase 1
- Continue evaluating other key locations in the corridor
Spring 2026
- Develop scoping and prioritization plan
Summer 2025
- Finalize design plans for Phase 1
- Complete Environmental Documentation for Phase 1