At its September 21 meeting, the Las Cruces City Council voted to accept $3.1 million in New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) funding that was earmarked during the 2026 legislative session. The money will be used to plan and begin construction on two key transportation corridors that will improve mobility for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians across the city.
Engler Road Design Gets Full State Support
The state allocated $1 million to the Engler Road project in northeast Las Cruces. The grant will fully fund corridor design, right‑of‑way acquisition and the start of Phase 1, which runs from Del Rey Boulevard to North Roadrunner Parkway. Public Works Director Jimmy Moreno noted that the total cost of the Engler corridor is about $26 million, with Phase 1 estimated at $10 million. The city has already committed $4 million to the project, and construction could begin in late 2027 or early 2028.
Mesa Grande Extension Receives $2.1 M State Grant
The second grant, worth $2.1 million, targets the Mesa Grande extension—a four‑lane, 5.7‑mile north‑to‑south corridor that will link Highway 70 with Interstates 25 and 10, while providing six east‑west connections. Funding will cover the stretch from Mesa Central Drive to E. Lohman Avenue and key intersections such as Northrise Drive, Calle Jitas Boulevard, Sedona Hills Parkway, Sonora Springs Boulevard, Sonoma Springs Avenue and E. Lohman Avenue. The extension will also include roadway, utility, drainage, sidewalk, curb and gutter improvements.
The Mesa Grande project’s total cost is roughly $75 million. The city has secured a $61 million federal grant that requires a $15 million local match. Sierra Norte Land Development is the developer for Mesa Grande, while Engler has no single developer.
Councilors Emphasize Community Benefits
District 5 Councilor Becky Corran highlighted the collaborative nature of the projects, saying, “Engler is kind of our own project and Mesa Grande has other parties involved in the planning and implementation, and a large amount that is still outstanding.” Moreno added that the federal funding for Mesa Grande is expected to be finalized in 2028 and must be spent by 2034, with developers responsible for providing the required match.
Public Input Calls for Safe, Multi‑Use Streets
During the public comment period, resident George Pearson urged the council to ensure the new corridors are accessible to cyclists and pedestrians. “As you sit up there I hope you continue to watch this project and direct that we create a safe roadway that can be used by all users and not just vehicles,” he said.
The council’s swift acceptance of the state grants demonstrates a commitment to modernizing Las Cruces’ transportation network, supporting economic growth, and enhancing safety for all road users. With design work underway and construction slated for the next few years, residents can look forward to smoother commutes and better connectivity across the city.
Original reporting: Las Cruces Sun News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
