Motorists in Hatch should expect lane closures and possible delays beginning Monday, Nov. 2, as the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) launches a $1.7 million resurfacing project on NM 26. The work will rehabilitate Franklin Street from the Hall Street intersection toward Interstate 25, replacing the existing asphalt with new pavement to improve driving conditions and extend the roadway’s service life.
Project details and schedule
The contract was awarded to Mountain States Constructors Inc. Construction is slated for weekdays, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with an anticipated completion date of Dec. 4, weather permitting. During the work, lane closures will affect the four‑lane sections of the road. In two‑lane sections, flaggers will direct traffic through the work zone, ensuring that access remains available throughout the project.
What drivers need to know
NMDOT is urging drivers to reduce speeds in construction areas, follow posted signs and traffic‑control instructions, and stay alert for workers and equipment. Trucks are currently prohibited from using NM 26 to access Interstate 10 or Interstate 25, a restriction that will remain in place while the project is underway.
Motorists are encouraged to allow extra travel time and to check current road conditions and construction updates at the NM Roads website or by dialing 511. The department stresses that the project is intended to preserve the roadway and provide smoother, more reliable travel for Hatch residents, businesses, and visitors.
Community impact
For a town the size of Hatch, a well‑maintained main thoroughfare is essential for daily commutes, school buses, emergency response vehicles, and local commerce. By resurfacing Franklin Street, the project aims to reduce vehicle wear, improve safety, and support the town’s economic vitality. Residents can expect a short‑term inconvenience in exchange for a longer‑term benefit: a smoother, safer route that connects the community to the interstate system.
Contact information
Questions about the construction schedule or traffic detours can be directed to NMDOT’s local office. Updates will be posted regularly on the agency’s website and the 511 traffic‑information line.
Original reporting: Organ Mountain News (Las Cruces / Doña Ana County) — read the source article.
