If New Mexico were to introduce 80 mph speed limits... (Albuquerque: safe, cars)

[Pink Jazz]

I know I have done a similar thread in the past, however, this thread is to know your opinion on where do you think 80 mph speed limits should be introduced if the state were to allow it. There are currently two states in the U.S. that allow 80 mph speed limits, those states are Texas and Utah.

Here is where I would put 80 mph speed limits:

• I-25 between Las Cruces and Socorro.
• I-25 between Las Vegas and Raton.
• I-40 between Albuquerque (west of Unser exit) and Grants (this stretch actually has a minimum speed limit).
• US 70 through White Sands (the only 75 mph non-interstate stretch of highway in New Mexico).

Does anyone have their own opinions on where the state should introduce 80 mph speed limits if the state were to allow it?

[rybert]

No. The amount of fuel wasted traveling at that speed is too high.

[mike0421]

Originally Posted by Andros 1337

I know I have done a similar thread in the past, however, this thread is to know your opinion on where do you think 80 mph speed limits should be introduced if the state were to allow it. There are currently two states in the U.S. that allow 80 mph speed limits, those states are Texas and Utah.

Here is where I would put 80 mph speed limits:

• I-25 between Las Cruces and Socorro.
• I-25 between Las Vegas and Raton.
• I-40 between Albuquerque (west of Unser exit) and Grants (this stretch actually has a minimum speed limit).
• US 70 through White Sands (the only 75 mph non-interstate stretch of highway in New Mexico).

Does anyone have their own opinions on where the state should introduce 80 mph speed limits if the state were to allow it?

That section of Rt 70 could have a 100 mph speed limit, and would still be reasonable, I am not kidding.

Additionally, I would offer up US 285, between Roswell and Vaughn. That's about as much of a no-brainer as I can think of.

I-40 between Santa Rosa to Edgewood makes all the sense in the world.

US 54, between the TX/NM state line, to Boles Acres.

US 70, between Portales and Roswell.

I would even argue for stretches of 550 between Cuba and Bloomfield to be increased to 80 mph.

[Pink Jazz]

Originally Posted by mike0421

Additionally, I would offer up US 285, between Roswell and Vaughn. That's about as much of a no-brainer as I can think of.

US 54, between the TX/NM state line, to Boles Acres.

US 70, between Portales and Roswell.

I would even argue for stretches of 550 between Cuba and Bloomfield to be increased to 80 mph.

I don't see these going 80 mph even if the state were to allow 80 mph speed limits, as these aren't even 75 mph. At most, they would be increased to 75 mph.

[JBM]

I say every road in New Mexico outside of a municipality should be 80. Or 90. 110 would be super fly.

Seriously, though, those routes you mentioned SHOULD be that speed. And I can think of a few others.

[Pink Jazz]

Originally Posted by JBM

I say every road in New Mexico outside of a municipality should be 80. Or 90. 110 would be super fly.

Seriously, though, those routes you mentioned SHOULD be that speed. And I can think of a few others.

Well, I personally wouldn't make I-25 between Albuquerque and Santa Fe 80 mph, as that stretch is quite heavily traveled by commuters between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. 75 mph is reasonable there.

Still, if New Mexico were to allow 80 mph speed limits, don't expect any non-interstate highways other than U.S. 70 to get raised to 80 mph.

[Gearhound]

Raise it to 80 mph, and watch how many drivers push it to 90 mph?
Best leave it alone.

Steve

[Zoidberg]

Originally Posted by mike0421

Additionally, I would offer up US 285, between Roswell and Vaughn. That's about as much of a no-brainer as I can think of.

Why stop at Vaughn? I'd add on most of Encino to Clines Corners.

I-40 between Santa Rosa to Edgewood makes all the sense in the world.

Too many cars and trucks. As a regular passenger through that stretch at 110mph, it's pretty unsafe with so many Oklahomans going 55.

Might also add I-10 from the AZ state line all the way to the Las Cruces city limits.

And I-40 from Tucumcari to the TX state line.

[Pink Jazz]

Originally Posted by Zoidberg

Might also add I-10 from the AZ state line all the way to the Las Cruces city limits.

Well, the speed limit is 65 mph in Deming and Lordsburg, so increasing the entire length to 80 mph would be a huge increase in speed.

[mike0421]

Originally Posted by Andros 1337

Well, the speed limit is 65 mph in Deming and Lordsburg, so increasing the entire length to 80 mph would be a huge increase in speed.

Both of those places should be 75 as it stands. They are only there to facilitate revenue extraction from unsuspecting motorists, particularly Lordsburg, which, at 3,000 souls, is a joke to begin with, when you consider these speeds are predicated around population density. Deming, too: even though its over 15k, there is absolutely no reason for a reduction in speed. Socorro maintains 75 on I-25, so too should I-10 through Deming.