Town presses DOT on University Avenue: drainage, lighting and warranty questions remain

Town staff reported that New Mexico Department of Transportation crews repaired a sinkhole on University Avenue where a bored utility hit a storm distribution line. The chair said DOT repaired and replaced the damaged pipe but staff identified an additional small failing spot and significant drainage that channels runoff into private yards. “DOT did go in and repair that pipe, fix it, and replace that,” the meeting leader said while listing remaining punch‑list and drainage items that DOT still needs to address.

Trustees debated whether to pay the town engineer to conduct an independent assessment before pressing DOT: staff presented an estimate with a base fee of $70,000 and a full‑review cap near $200,000 for a comprehensive evaluation, testing and recommendations. Staff cautioned that the road and infrastructure are DOT property and that any corrective action ultimately requires DOT agreement; trustees discussed options including reopening maintenance contracts, pressing DOT for corrections, or pursuing engineering evidence if DOT does not accept town engineers’ findings.

Residents at the public‑comment period also raised related concerns: loss of the ditch that previously acted as a noise barrier, brighter-than-expected new lighting, increased night-time noise and speeding, and the path’s elevation relative to the curb. Ben Schmidt, a Capri Arc resident, told the board the path and landscaping differences from the project’s typical view could harm property values and create safety issues. The chair said staff will continue repeated follow-up with DOT, pursue needed design and drainage corrections, and report back to the board.