Roadway Advisory
Las Cruces: The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) District One office will have maintenance personnel out monitoring roadways as potential heavy rain with possible flooding is forecasted for the southwestern portion of New Mexico. Currently crews are out on NM 152 near Kingston removing debris and clearing the roadway in order for repairs to be made. A portion of NM 152 remains CLOSED between mile marker 22 and 39. Please avoid this route until all restrictions are removed.
The NMDOT would like to remind motorists to use extreme caution when traveling wet roads as they become very slick, and to avoid routes with standing water as they may need to seek an alternate route.
The Las Cruces Police Department recommends the following safety tips:
Slow down. Allow for more travel time when driving in wet weather.
When coming to a stop, begin slowing down sooner and apply gentle brake pressure. Avoid slamming on brakes.
Allow for greater distance between vehicles. Normal driving conditions recommend travelling at least two seconds behind vehicles. During wet weather it is recommended to increase that distance.
Give larger vehicles, like trucks and buses, more room for stops and turns.
Avoid making sudden turns or lane changes.
Drive around puddles as sitting water may be deeper than what it appears.
Never attempt to drive through flooded arroyos or running water. Even when driving a large vehicle, like a truck or SUV, fast-moving water can easily overcome it.
Drive with headlights on and be alert to surrounding traffic and changing weather conditions.
If rain is too heavy or streets are flooded, pull over to a safe distance from the roadway – in a parking lot or away from traffic – until conditions improve.
Keep your vehicle well-maintained. Periodically check that brakes, tires and windshield wipers are in good working condition.
The NMDOT will post traffic updates as they are reported on their road advisory page www.nmroads.com which can be retrieved by calling 511 or 1-800-432-4269.