Loop wrapping around downtown Las Cruces to become two-way street

A major construction project will change the way traffic flows in downtown Las Cruces.The project is aimed at turning the so-called ‘racetrack’ of one way streets that wraps around the downtown mall – to two way traffic.

Church and Water streets, and Bowman Avenue have been that way for decades. Now, the city wants to make downtown more business friendly.

“It’s going to add a lot more on-street parking which is going to be really cool which is going to help other businesses be attracted down here,” Nick Ray, Owner of The Bistro on Main Street said.

The project is part of a larger downtown revitalization. In 2003, the city turned to business owners and asked what they thought would help breathe life into the area. Many wanted two-way traffic.

A lot of the changes made to revitalize downtown are visible. Main Street was turned into a real street for traffic and construction on the plaza that should be finished by this summer.

“We punched through Main Street it’s helping businesses, I know businesses are looking into our downtown now,” Hector Terrazas, City Engineer with the Public Works Department said.

The mile-long loop around the downtown mall can be tricky to navigate.

“Sometimes, there were times where we have to go around and do it all over again,” Miriam Favela said.

“I know from own personal experience, I ‘m used to this being a one-way street, so it’ll take some getting used to,” Las Crucen Carrie Hamblin said.

A meeting to discuss the plans and construction is planned for Wednesday, March at 6 P.M City Hall.