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US 64/87 Ports-to-Plains Feasibility Study (NM)

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“The New Mexico Department of Transportation is in the process of finalizing a contract with Parametrix to prepare the Phase I-A/B report for the US 87/US 64 sections of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor (Proposed I-27). The study will kick off in Spring 2026 and is expected to take 18 months to complete. The team is enthusiastic about partnering with the P2P Alliance and engaging stakeholders throughout the corridor.” — From Parametrix

Technical Description of Project: This is a study regarding the Future Interstate Highway along the Ports-to-Plains Corridor (US 87/64) between the New Mexico-Texas state border and Raton. The Future Interstate Highway has potential to provide positive economic development impacts for northeast New Mexico.

What to expect from a Phase I-A/B report?

  • The Phase I-A/B Report is part of NMDOT’s Location Study and Project Development process used for transportation projects (e.g., roadway improvements, interchange reconstruction, new alignment). It represents the early planning stages that identify and evaluate alternatives before formal environmental clearance (Phase I-C) and design.
  • Define the Project Purpose and Need
    • The report establishes:
      • Why improvements are necessary
      • What transportation problems need addressing (e.g., safety, capacity, operations)
      • This drives all alternative evaluations.
  • Identify and Evaluate Alternatives
    • Phase I-A and Phase I-B together:
      • Develop multiple potential solutions (build alternatives and no-build)
      • Screen early concepts
      • Evaluate alternatives against purpose and need
      • Refine the range of alternatives being considered
    • The goal is to identify which alternatives should move forward for environmental review in Phase I-C.
  • Incorporate Stakeholder and Public Input
    • Phase I-A/B usually includes:
      • Public meetings/involvement
      • Coordination with agencies and tribes
      • Stakeholder engagement
    • This helps identify community needs and concerns and informs alternative scoring.
  • Provide a Basis for Environmental and Preliminary Design
    • The report’s findings:
    • Help establish the preferred alternative
    • Provide data that will be used in Phase I-C (NEPA documentation)
    • Support early cost estimation and design considerations
    • This streamlines later environmental and design work.
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