Road project ongoing

The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) continues the reconstruction of N.M. 206 south of Portales. Only one lane will be open to traffic while work is taking place, and motorists are advised to take extra time when planning.

The project is between mile marker 67 near Dora and mile marker 82.49 near Portales.

Mike Calbert, a lead inspector for the DOT’s office in Portales, said a 30-minute trip is probably the longest any driver should budget.

“You’ll just have a 10- to 15-minute delay,” Calbert said, “depending on where we are with traffic control.”

Work is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and is expected to run through late September. Motorists are asked to watch for construction personnel working in the area, observe temporary lane closures, and reduce speed while work is taking place.

The speed limit is 50 miles per hour in the construction zone.

The $4.5 million project consists of roadway rehabilitation, traffic control, pavement markings, and miscellaneous construction. 

The project will prolong the life of the road, and provide a smoother driving surface. 

Anyone with questions or comments regarding this project may contact Pat Garcia, Portales Project Manager for the New Mexico Department of Transportation, at 356-0048.