On Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 20, a traffic‑light outage at the intersection of Paseo del Pueblo Sur and Paseo del Cañón in Taos created a hazardous situation that resulted in a two‑vehicle crash. The malfunction occurred while the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) was performing routine maintenance on the signal equipment.
Crash details and response
Both vehicles involved in the collision were rendered inoperable, but fortunately no one was injured. Taos Fire and Rescue, along with other first‑responders, quickly blocked eastbound traffic to secure the scene and allow a flatbed tow truck to remove the damaged cars. The prompt response helped prevent further congestion on the already busy thoroughfare.
Cause of the outage
According to Jim Murray, public information officer for NMDOT District 5, the traffic lights were under scheduled maintenance when the outage occurred. “We have technicians working on it now,” Murray wrote in an email sent just before 3 p.m. The department confirmed that the outage was directly linked to the maintenance work, which temporarily disabled the signal’s normal operation.
Temporary traffic control measures
To manage traffic flow while the signal remained offline, the intersection was set to flash a four‑way red light. Local police also installed stop signs on the NM 585 side of the junction, providing drivers with clear guidance until the lights could be restored. Once the tow trucks cleared the scene, traffic congestion eased noticeably.
Next steps for repairs
NMDOT officials indicated that technicians are on site working to restore full signal functionality. The department has not provided a specific timeline for completion, but Murray emphasized that restoring the intersection to normal operation is a priority. Residents are encouraged to remain patient and follow the temporary stop‑sign instructions when traveling through the area.
Community impact
The intersection of Paseo del Pueblo Sur and Paseo del Cañón is a key connector for local commuters, shoppers, and visitors to downtown Taos. An outage of this magnitude underscores the importance of reliable infrastructure and timely maintenance. While the incident was unfortunate, the swift actions of first responders and the proactive traffic‑control measures helped keep the situation from escalating.
Safety reminder
Local officials continue to urge drivers to stay alert, especially when navigating intersections under construction or experiencing signal disruptions. Following posted signs and exercising caution can prevent accidents and keep our community’s roads safe.
Original reporting: Taos News — read the source article.
