Las Cruces council approves NMDOT grant application for HAWK pedestrian signal on West Amador

The Las Cruces City Council voted to approve a resolution authorizing staff to submit a Municipal Arterial Program application to the New Mexico Department of Transportation for a HAWK (high‑intensity activated crosswalk) pedestrian signal at the intersection of West Amador Avenue and McSwayne Drive.

Crystal Silva of the grants administration program told the council the city estimates design and construction at $984,100: a $584,100 amount is already funded from state capital outlay, the city would request $300,000 from NMDOT, and provide a $100,000 local match. "Funding through this NMDOT grant is critical to advance implementation of the HAWK pedestrian hybrid beacon," Silva said, adding the location serves daily pedestrian destinations including Hope, Camp Hope, Amador Crossing and the Las Cruces Gospel Rescue Mission.

Interim Assistant Public Works Director Jimmy Moreno said design work has just started, with design completion expected late winter and construction planned for the next calendar year. During public comment and council questions, community member George Pearson asked whether the HAWK would align with the existing multiuse trail and whether a pedestrian refuge would be included; a city staff response said design discussions would cover those details. Police Chief Tim Jenkins questioned usage patterns at the crossing and said low observed usage made for a challenging justification, while councilors emphasized pedestrian safety and the high cost of traffic-safety improvements.

The council approved the resolution in the ensuing vote. Staff said the HAWK is a proven, pedestrian‑activated countermeasure and that other HAWK installations exist in the city (University and West Picacho were cited as examples). The approval allows staff to apply for NMDOT MAP funding; design and specific safety features will be developed during the design phase.