The development of transportation projects is a multi-phased, multi-year process that involves a significant commitment of technical and financial resources. Project development involves six major phases including (1) long-range planning, (2) prioritization and programming, (3) study scoping and conceptual design (4) preliminary and final design, (5) construction, and (6) maintenance and performance monitoring. The Route 66 Improved Project has just initiated the third phase, study scoping and conceptual design. A study is crucial to the development process and is broken down into three distinct phases commonly referred to as Phase IA, IB and IC. Phase IA and IB serve to develop, evaluate, and refine the range of possible alternatives to achieve the need for an action. Phase IC involves preparation of an environmental document and subsequent processing in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act. To learn more about the study process, visit dot.nm.gov/projects.

In 2019, NMDOT and City of Gallup developed the Gallup Area Transportation Safety Plan and identified unsafe conditions along the Route 66 (NM 118) corridor in Gallup. The NMDOT initiated the Route 66 Improved Project in 2021 to further study the corridor, identify possible solutions, and develop a priority plan for future construction. The project limits were also expanded to include Milepost 11 to Milepost 27 along the corridor.

The purpose of the Route 66 Improved Project is to conduct research, solicit input and identify the solution to reduce crashes, mitigate congestion and enhance safety along the corridor.

The final study report will include a recommended priority plan for further developing and constructing individual improvement projects identified in the study. Funding for these projects has not yet been identified. Upon completion of the study and when funding is identified, further public outreach and environmental studies will be undertaken as individual projects are advanced towards design and construction.

Although our official comment period has closed, we always welcome and encourage public feedback. Your voice matters to us, and we are committed to listening to the community. Please feel free to reach out and share your thoughts, suggestions, or concerns with us today. We are here to engage, and we value your input! ​ Call, email, or mail comments to the Route 66 Improved Study team using the contact information below. Hotline: 505-418-4900 Email: info@route66improved.com Mail: Route 66 Improved Project c/o Horrocks 6001 Indian School Rd NE, Suite 250 Albuquerque, NM 87110