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Commission approves 1.6‑mile safety corridor near hospital and school; police to enforce strictly
Summary
The commission approved a safety corridor that will add signage, set 25 mph limits in most of the zone and 15 mph during school hours, and direct the police department to pursue zero‑tolerance enforcement, staff said.
The Truth or Consequences City Commission on Sept. 5 approved a safety corridor intended to reduce crashes and improve safety along a roughly 1.6‑mile stretch serving the hospital, assisted‑living facility and an elementary school.
A streets department presenter described the corridor boundaries (from Ninth/8th/Silver through Smith and nearby streets), proposed signage compliant with MUTCD standards, radar feedback signs and posted limits of 25 mph with 15 mph in school‑active hours. Staff estimated signage costs in the low thousands and said typical installation work can be performed in‑house, while some specialty signs would be ordered from a vendor.
The police chief said the department supports the corridor and will direct officers to pursue a zero‑tolerance enforcement policy there, with citations rather than warnings to ensure accountability. Staff cited data from a radar sign showing traffic volumes and that most drivers were operating in the 16–25 mph range at the elementary entrance; they also said New Mexico safety corridors have seen 20–50% reductions in fatal crashes where enforced.
Commissioners discussed signage placement, community notification and the practicality of changing driver habits; a motion to approve the implementation plan passed on roll call.
Next steps include finalizing signage orders, coordinating enforcement plans with the police department and public notification about new posted limits and school‑hour signage.
