Officials propose traffic lights at two busy Eddy County intersections

Mike Smith, Carlsbad Current-Argus
·2 min read

The success of a new traffic light at the intersection of the George Shoup Relief Route and U.S. Highway 62/180 has Eddy County and New Mexico officials seeking to place traffic lights at other busy intersections.

NMDOT, Eddy County and the City of Carlsbad worked together to place the traffic light, read an NMDOT news release.

“This intersection improvement project addresses multiple needs by improving traffic flow in a heavily traffic area and improving safety of the traveling public,” the news release stated.

Here is a look at a proposal to place traffic lights on other busy intersections.

Corrales Road and U.S. 62/180 near Carlsbad

The intersection of Corrales Road and U.S. 62/180 marks the end of the new bypass road, which travels in front of the Eddy County Sheriff's Office complex, a facility built nearly 10 years ago.

Eddy County Sheriff Mark Cage would like a traffic light with emergency sensors placed there to alleviate time traveling to emergency calls for deputies. Cage said a traffic light would act as a safety valve for commuters entering U.S. 62/180 from Corrales Road.

Semitrailers and a pickup truck attempt turns on Mill Road from U.S. 285 in Artesia on Feb. 27, 2024. State Rep. Jim Townsend (R-54) has petitioned the New Mexico Department of Transportation to place a traffic light at the intersection.
Semitrailers and a pickup truck attempt turns on Mill Road from U.S. 285 in Artesia on Feb. 27, 2024. State Rep. Jim Townsend (R-54) has petitioned the New Mexico Department of Transportation to place a traffic light at the intersection.

Eddy County Public Works Director Jason Burns said the County and the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) have discussed the possibility of a traffic light, although nothing has been settled.

More: Eddy County continues to mull options for road linking major highways around Carlsbad

Mill Road and U.S. 285 in Artesia

State Rep. Jim Townsend (R-54) said a traffic light was needed at the intersection of Mill Road and U.S. 285 due to increased traffic from the oil and gas industry, along with other residential and business development in the vicinity.

More: Eddy County West Loop Road opens after nearly 40 years in planning stage

Townsend said he spoke with NMDOT regarding a potential traffic signal at the busy intersection north of Artesia.

He and other members of the legislature representing southeast New Mexico met with NMDOT officials in Santa Fe before the start of the 2024 New Mexico Legislative session Jan. 16. Nothing was decided.

Burns said a study of the intersection was being consideration.

Semitrailers clog traffic along U.S. 285 north of Artesia at Mill Road on Feb. 27, 2024.
Semitrailers clog traffic along U.S. 285 north of Artesia at Mill Road on Feb. 27, 2024.

Townsend said as traffic increases in Eddy County, NMDOT needs to adjust processes and procedures.

“We need more lights and lighting. It comes with progress,” he said.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on X, formerly known as Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Traffic lights proposed at two Eddy County intersections