North-end residents press DOT, urge lower speeds after repeated crashes; council schedules secretary visit

Residents on Corales' north end urged village action after numerous recent collisions and near-misses, pressing both the council and the Department of Transportation to re-evaluate speed limits and safety measures along New Mexico 448.

Mike Hammond introduced a petition with more than 90 signatures and told the council the area has an —uptick and continual increase in traffic— linked to growth on nearby corridors. He said residents want DOT district engineers and the state secretary to re-examine speed limits and roadway geometry; he noted an upcoming Friday visit by the DOT secretary and asked that the district engineer join the site walk.

Ken Dehoff and Russell Trill described recent serious incidents and property damage, including a crash that sheared a power pole and another in which a driver later admitted consuming alcohol. Dehoff said enforcement and legal deterrence appear inadequate for reckless drivers, and Trill urged long-term planning such as creating a new 448–Lomalaga connection and a bridge across the Harvey Jones channel to reduce through traffic.

Council members said they have been in direct conversation with state transportation staff and described steps to organize on-site meetings with residents, village staff and the secretary. One councilor highlighted recent permissions granted to clear vegetation impeding sightlines and noted the village has begun local efforts (walks and sign posting) to raise awareness.

No formal road-speed ordinance was enacted at the meeting; council members said they expect follow-up visits and further conversations with DOT engineers before any regulatory changes or enforcement changes are proposed.