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Lea County approves Orla Road widening and a 0.75‑mile right‑turn lane, plans July start with temporary northbound closure
Summary
County road superintendent outlined a project to widen Orla Road, add shoulders and a 0.75‑mile right‑hand turning lane with construction expected to begin in early July; work will require a roughly 14‑day northbound closure during shoulder widening and about 60 days for the turning‑lane phase.
Marvin Sanchez, superintendent for the Lea County Road Department, presented a task order for the widening and overlay that includes installation of a 0.75‑mile right‑hand turning lane on Orla Road (NM‑128). Sanchez said the corridor serves energy‑sector traffic and is among the county's busiest roads; prior widening work has increased the section from 32 to 46 feet in phases and the final phase will add the turning lane.
Sanchez described the traffic control plan: northbound traffic will be temporarily restricted for about 14 days while shoulders are widened on the west side to allow for a passing lane; after that initial phase both directions will be re‑opened and the contractor will complete the right‑turn lane, a phase Sanchez estimated could take roughly 60 days depending on weather. Staff said they will issue public notices and PSAs to inform drivers and accepted phone calls for questions during the short closure window.
Commissioners approved the task order. Sanchez and commissioners acknowledged localized short‑term traffic disruption would occur and said the completed work should improve safety and reduce long turn queues at the intersection.
