Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

Roosevelt officials deny speed limit reduction request

In a 3-2 vote, the Roosevelt County Commission declined to change the speed limit from 55 mph to 40 mph on a road section just southeast of Portales.

The road that was in discussion was South Roosevelt Road (SRR) 8 and NM-88, and goes about 5 miles east to SRRG.

Commissioners Tina Dixon, Roy Lee Criswell and Dennis Lopez voted against the resolution. Commissioners Paul Grider and Rod Savage voted yes.

Roosevelt County Road Supervisor Juan Dominguez told the commission at their regular meeting Tuesday that a traffic study was conducted and it was discovered that there were too many drivers speeding on that road.

Roosevelt County Sheriff Javier Sanchez chimed in on the discussion, saying that if the speed limit were to be reduced, they would not set up speed traps but would “enforce the posted speed limit.”

“We don’t have the workforce or the deputies to go out and watch these roads all the time,” Savage said.

The reasoning behind making the speed limit slower is the road needs various repairs, but mostly, repairs to potholes. Unfortunately, Dominguez said potholes are a never ending issue within the county.

To completely repair the road, Dominguez said the cost would be just over $700,000.

“We can’t just keep lowering the speed limit because the road isn’t fixed,” Dixon said.

Amber Hamilton, county manager said the road will remain on the county’s road plan and that the county is actively applying for funding.

“The road crew will continue to patch and maintain the roadway as best possible,” Hamilton said.

 
 
Rendered 07/30/2024 07:50