As of Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, construction has begun on phases 1 and 3A of roadway improvements to U.S. Highway 70, which is also part of north Main Street. The construction work zone on north Main Street is from the intersection of Spitz Street and north Solano Drive east to the intersection of north Triviz…


NMDOT: U.S. Highway 70 Construction Update as of Feb. 2, 2024

As a partner with the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) the City of Las Cruces shares this information with residents and motorists.

Source: City of Las Cruces “News Release”

As of Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, construction has begun on phases 1 and 3A of roadway improvements to U.S. Highway 70, which is also part of north Main Street. The construction work zone on north Main Street is from the intersection of Spitz Street and north Solano Drive east to the intersection of north Triviz Drive and Elks Drive.

This work is a NMDOT project.

Beginning Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, construction will shift to Phase 1 and Phase 3A. During this phase of construction, which is expected to last about four months – through May 2024, crews will be working in the eastbound lanes of U.S. 70 and north Main Street and on the east side of the bridge at the Alameda Arroyo.

The following traffic impacts will be in place: 

  • The Alameda Arroyo trail crossing will be closed.
  • Only one lane of traffic will be open on the east side of U.S. 70 and north Main Street, from Elks Drive and north Triviz Drive to Temple Street, and from north of Samaritan Drive to the intersection of Spitz Street and north Solano Drive.
  • In the area of the Alameda Arroyo Bridge, there will only be one lane of traffic eastbound and westbound on the west side of the roadway so crews can demolish the east side of the bridge.
  • There will be two lanes open on the west side of U.S. 70 and north Main Street from the intersection of Elks Drive and north Triviz Drive to south of Temple Street and from south of the Alameda Arroyo Bridge to the Spitz Street and Solano Drive intersection.
  • RoadRUNNER Transit has implemented a detour route for City bus Route1, which serves that area. The revised route will be in effect until approximately October. Online information is available at lascruces.gov/RoadRUNNER-Transit.

Access will be maintained to all businesses on both sides of U.S. 70 and north Main Street. The speed limit will be 35 mph throughout the construction zone.

Motorists are urged to be patient, expect delays and look out for construction crews and equipment. Regular work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, although the contractor may work longer hours or on weekends if needed.

Additional phases will follow, with the project expected to be completed in October 2024.

Residents and motorists can stay in the loop for information or to sign up for free construction updates at www.us70mainstreet.com. Information also is available at www.nmroads.com.


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