NM 139
Border Highway Connector
(CN E100390)
The New Mexico Border Authority (NMBA), in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) and in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is currently designing, with plans to construct, a future roadway (NM 139) located near the United States/Mexico border, connecting NM 136 and NM 273 in Sunland Park. To get in touch with the project team, send an email to BorderHighwayConnector@bhinc.com
NM 139
(CN E100390)
The New Mexico Border Authority (NMBA), in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) and in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is currently designing, with plans to construct, a future roadway (NM 139) located near the United States/Mexico border, connecting NM 136 and NM 273 in Sunland Park. To get in touch with the project team, send an email to BorderHighwayConnector@bhinc.com
NOTE: This project was formally referred to under the Border Highway Connector Study.
Project Status
The Final Design for the NM 139 – Border Highway Connector project has been completed along with the engineering studies and environmental documentation. The New Mexico Department of Transportation and New Mexico Border Authority were able to secure federal funding for the project through the FHWA INFRA Grant Program. The next steps will include acquisition of Right-of-Way and bidding for the construction of the proposed improvements which will occurring during 2026. Because of the magnitude and complexities associated with the project, the construction duration has been estimated between 2 and 3 years, which means the project will likely be completed and open to the public in 2028 or 2029.
Overview
NM 139 - Border Highway Connector is a new roadway extending between NM 136 (Pete V. Domenici Blvd) and NM 273 (McNutt Rd), improving the connection between the Santa Teresa Port of Entry, the City of Sunland Park, and beyond to regional destinations.
Watch a Video of the Future Roadway
Project Area
The project area (shown below) is located in the southeastern corner of Doña Ana County, New Mexico and is bounded by NM 136 on the west, the New Mexico/Texas state line and the Rio Grande on the east, the US/Mexico border to the south, and a northern boundary that generally follows Artcraft Rd.
NMDOT Location Study Procedures - Phase D
Phase D, Preliminary Design, defines the project location and design concepts, developed to about 30% completion. It focuses on establishing alignments, sections, drainage, and structural needs to determine the project footprint. While it may overlap with environmental clearance, it must not interfere with the NEPA process or cause environmental harm.
![Study Phases Diagram 2023 [Phase D].png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/18db8f_7e220803554e4b08b48ecc9fe32736ac~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_0,y_77,w_1665,h_487/fill/w_49,h_14,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/Study%20Phases%20Diagram%202023%20%5BPhase%20D%5D.png)
Phase A
Initial Evaluation of Alternatives completed July 2023
Phase B
Detailed Evaluation of Alternatives completed December 2024
Phase C
Environmental Assessment/FONSI approved September 2025
Preliminary Design completed February 2025
Final Design
Completed September 2025
Right-of-Way Appraisals and Acquisition will Begin in November 2025
Bidding and Construction expected in late summer or fall of 2026
NM 139 - Schedule Overview
Purpose and Need
Safety
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Improve emergency response routes and reduce response times.
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Provide alternative routes under emergency or hazardous material conditions.
Congestion
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Offer an additional regional connector to reduce traffic volumes on existing corridors.
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Improve the transportation network to support regional growth expectations.
Connectivity
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Enhance regional connectivity between Santa Teresa, Sunland Park, and El Paso.
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Provide a more direct access route to US/Mexico border crossings.
Economic Development
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Expand transportation infrastructure to support regional economic development opportunities.
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Improve access to social resources.
NM 139 - Schedule Overview
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Phase A – Initial Evaluation of Alternatives completed July 2023
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Phase B – Detailed Evaluation of Alternatives completed December 2024
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Phase C – Environmental Assessment/FONSI approved September 2025
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Preliminary Design completed February 2025
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Final Design completed September 2025
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Right-of-Way Appraisals and Acquisition will begin November 2025
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Bidding and Construction expected in late summer or fall of 2026
Previous Study Phases
Phase A
The Phase A Border Highway Connector Study was completed in October of 2023, and it included one public meeting on June 20, 2023. During Phase A, the study team developed a collection of potential alignments which underwent an initial evaluation to consider engineering feasibility, potential environmental and social impacts, as well as public opinion. As an integral element of the study process, a purpose and need for the new roadway corridor was also developed and used to support the comparison of proposed alignments. As a result of the input received from the stakeholders and the public, the study team was able to identify areas of concern and opportunities to refine the proposed alignments and make recommendations for new roadway corridor alternatives to be studied further in Phase B. The final Phase A Border Highway Connector Study report and the public meeting documentation can be found below.
Border Highway Connector Phase A Report Appendices
Phase B
Six alignments, plus the No Build Alternative, were carried forward into Phase B and analyzed in detail. The six build alignment alternatives are presented below. The Phase B alternatives are being refined to better meet the purpose and need of the corridor, and are being analyzed to minimize environmental impacts, address operational issues, consider land use and property ownership, and more. At the completion of Phase B, the preferred alternative for the roadway corridor will move forward into Phase C for environmental evaluations and clearance under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Phase C
Following the completion of Phase B and public outreach in March 2024, the Preferred Alternative was selected for environmental evaluation in Phase C under NEPA. The Environmental Assessment (EA) addressed issues identified through resource investigations, agency coordination, and public involvement. It determined that the project, with required environmental commitments, would qualify for a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). Unless new significant impacts were identified during public review, a FONSI and Decision Record would be issued by the lead federal agency, authorizing final design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction.
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