Study Process and Team

The NM 475 Study is being conducted in accordance with the NMDOT’s Location Study Procedures (2015)– the policy document followed by the NMDOT to comply with state and federal transportation planning and environmental regulations. This guidebook outlines the following phases of project development:

The current Study consists of a Phase IA Initial Evaluation of Alternatives. The first steps of the Study are to provide existing conditions information, establish the purpose and need, and gather public input. As the Study proceeds, initial alternatives that address the purpose and need will be identified. With public input and review of evaluation factors, alternatives that are clearly not feasible will then be removed from further consideration. Subsequent phases, if determined to be warranted and if funding is available, will include a detailed evaluation of the remaining alternatives, selection of a preferred alternative, environmental documentation, preliminary and final design, and ultimately construction. The anticipated schedule for Phase A is shown below:

Establish purpose and need	January 2023
Identify potential alternatives	February 2023
(Formulate matrix w/NMDOT input)	(March 2023 – April 2023)
Evaluate Alternatives	May 2023
Conduct second public meeting	July 2023
Prepare Phase A report	October 2023

A multi-disciplinary Study team has been established that includes highway engineers, transportation planners, environmental specialists, public involvement specialists, right-of-way specialists, and others. The Study Team’s role is to perform technical investigations, develop and implement agency coordination and public involvement, and develop recommendations based on technical analysis and public comments. A primary goal for the Study Team is to develop alternatives that are balanced with the community and that are integrated with the surrounding environment. While the Study Team is instrumental in making decisions, the decision process also requires the involvement of senior managers from the NMDOT and Federal Highway Administration, who have a broader view of financial resources and statewide needs.