State transportation leaders meet with lawmakers to talk road improvements
SANTA FE, N.M. – It’s State Transportation Day at the Roundhouse, and the New Mexico Department of Transportation brought out some of their big toys to make a big pitch to state lawmakers.
“Infrastructure, and roads in particular, are something that is really easy to take for granted when it’s working for you,” said Rebecca Roose, an infrastructure advisor for the governor’s office.
A recent report found New Mexico’s roads aren’t always up to the job.
Analysts at “Trip” say 32% of roads in New Mexico are in poor condition, costing the average driver an extra $940 in vehicle maintenance. All together, it’s costing New Mexicans $3.6 billion every year.
“We can do better at what we do without putting the burden on you all as taxpayers,” said New Mexico Transportation Secretary Ricky Serna.
House Bill 145 would help with that, opening up an extra $1.5 billion for state highway projects. But more construction means more danger.
“Over the last five years, law enforcement has issued 13,000 speeding citations in construction zones across New Mexico, 13,000,” said New Mexico Public Safety Secretary Jason Bowie.
That’s why NMDOT leaders are also backing Senate Bill 241, allowing for automated speed enforcement cameras in work zones. Something 42 other states already have on the books.
“Not only is this measure primarily to keep workers safe when workers are not on construction zones, this measure is aimed at keeping our infrastructure safe,” said Serna.
Both bills are still at the starting line, but legislative leaders from both the House and Senate are on board — which is a good sign as the session speeds up.