Increased semi-truck and trailer traffic along U.S. Highway 285 southeast of Loving prompted the New Mexico Department of Transportation to seek input on a new port of entry and weigh station near the New Mexico/Texas state line.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHA) invited public comment on where the proposed port of entry (POE) and weigh-in-motion (WIM) station would be located along a 7-mile stretch of US 285, according to an NMDOT website.
Studies for the potential port began in 2021, and the work is part of a total reconstruction of 22 miles of US 285 near Loving, according to NMDOT.
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“The purpose of the proposed station is to facilitate economic development in the area by ensuring that commercial vehicles entering the state are safe and legal,” NMDOT said in a public release.
NMDOT estimates that 1,800 vehicles per day travel north on US 285 from the state line on a daily basis.
“Heavy-duty vehicles make up half of the vehicles on the road,” according to an NMDOT study.
NMDOT has identified two sites near the Texas state line as potential placement for the potential POE and WIM station. He also identified three other potential sites north of the Delaware River Bridge near Longhorn Road and Whites City Road.
NMDOT noted an increase in traffic at the intersection of Longhorn and Whites City Roads as peak hours of heavy traffic occur around 5 a.m.
Eddy County Sheriff Mark Cage welcomed the proposal and said he supports measures to keep the traveling public safe.
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“This seems to be a step in the right direction,” Cage said.
Tracee Bentley, its president and chief executive officer (CEO). Permian Basin Strategic Partnership (PBSR), said the proposed POE and WIM station indicates a commitment by NMDOT to improve tractor-trailer safety and compliance.
“It’s initiatives like this that strengthen the Permian Basin community’s commitment to road safety,” he said.
PBSR is a partnership of 22 energy companies in the Permian Basin of New Mexico and Texas that seeks partnerships to deliver quality-of-life products, including safer roads.
The proposed POE would be the second in Eddy County
New Mexico has 11 POE’s in all corners of the state, including one in Carlsbad at 8507 National Parks Highway.
The new POE would allow semi-trailers to pass if equipped with the latest computer technology.
The proposed port will have an elevated permit booth for inspecting both sides of a tractor-trailer, and there will be a permanent structure for truck inspections.
Who would operate the new port?
According to NMDOT, the New Mexico Department of Public Safety (DPS) will oversee daily operations.
The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Police (NMMTP)part of the New Mexico Tax and Revenue Department (NMTRD) enforces safety compliance for semi-trailers, according to the NMTRD website.
NMMTP issues state permits for oversized loads and also verifies requirements for tractor-trailers, according to NMTRD.
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“New Mexico state law requires that all commercial motor vehicles enter, depart, and travel through New Mexico on designated highways and must stop at each port of entry to display and clear stickers,” it said. NMTRD.
How to comment
Public input is due by Sept. 30, according to NMDOT.
Members of the public can comment In connection or by emailing John Taschek at Ecosphere Environmental Services in Albuquerque at jtaschek@ecosphere-services.com.
State Rep. Jim Townsend (R-54) said he appreciates NMDOT getting public input.
“I think with the activity in the area a port of entry would be beneficial. The state spends and has spent a lot of time and money in the area and I know that good roads are good for everyone. Hopefully NMDOT will listen to the public and act accordingly as it develops this project,” he said.
Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com the @ArgusMichae on Twitter.