Temporary change begins week of Feb. 23 as crews replace traffic signal infrastructure at busy Las Cruces intersection

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - A four-way stop will be installed at the intersection of University Avenue and Avenida de Mesilla for about one month beginning the week of Feb. 23 as crews replace traffic signal infrastructure at the site.

The temporary change will remain in place through approximately the week of March 23 while crews remove the old signal and install a new one at the intersection, according to an update released Friday.

Drivers approaching the intersection should follow standard four-way stop rules:

• The first vehicle to come to a complete stop has the right of way.
• If multiple vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first.
• Drivers must always yield to pedestrians and proceed cautiously.

Additional traffic impacts remain in place in the area:

University Avenue is closed at South Main Street. Drivers can detour using South Main Street to West Boutz Road or Avenida de Mesilla to the north, or South Main Street to West Union Avenue to Avenida de Mesilla to the south.

Two-way traffic remains open on University Avenue between Avenida de Mesilla and Bowman Street.

Southbound Avenida de Mesilla is reduced to one lane while crews work on the new signal. Access to nearby homes and Zia Middle School will be maintained.

Regular construction hours are 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, though crews may work longer hours or weekends if needed. The broader project is expected to be completed in fall 2026.

More information is available at the New Mexico Department of Transportation project page.