NMDOT: Planning Division
Safe Transportation for All
Planning Division
The Planning Division (PD) is responsible for the planning activities of the NMDOT and ensuring that NMDOT complies with federal planning requirements. The Planning Division includes: Data Management Bureau; Multimodal Planning and Programs Bureau; and the Research Bureau. The PD is spearheaded by Planning Division Director, Jessica Griffin ( jessica.griffin@dot.nm.gov ). The PD Director oversees the NMDOT's Long-Range Statewide Transportation Plan (2045) and the NMDOT Two-Year Planning Work Program.
The Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Formula Program is designed to help make surface transportation more resilient to natural hazards.
NMDOT Planning Division is currently working on a Resilience Improvement Plan to assess the transportation system’s exposure to certain hazards and identify the critical transportation assets that are most vulnerable to effects of climate change. Hazards include wildfires, flooding, drought, extreme heat, dust storms and land movement (rockfall and debris flow).
Data Management Bureau
The Data Management Bureau collects, records, stores, processes, reports, analyzes and tracks traffic data in compliance with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reporting requirements. The bureau also maintains the state’s Roadway Inventory System (RIS) and Linear Reference System (LRS) utilizing spatially referenced transportation data (bridge, pavement, traffic and crash) in a GIS environment that is used by FHWA, States, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), and local government agencies to assess the physical condition, safety, service, and efficiency of operation of their respective highway systems. Transportation data is also used to predict the effect that proposed highway programs and policies are likely to have in the future, as well as other non-transportation-related planning such as economic development. The Data Management Bureau is spearheaded by the Data Management Bureau Chief, John Baker, john.baker@dot.nm.gov.
NMDOT Permanent Traffic Counters
The Data Management Bureau also does field work to collect data. Here we see workers setting short duration traffic count tubes and installing permanent traffic count equipment on roads to monitor traffic.
Multimodal Planning & Programs Bureau (MPPB)
The Bureau ensures compliance with federal and state planning regulations for Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and, for the non-metropolitan consultation process, through working with Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPOs). The Bureau oversees the Bicycle/Pedestrian/Equestrian (BPE) Program, Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), Recreational Trails Program (RTP), and Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), as well as projects previously funded through the Safe Routes to School and Scenic Byways programs. The Bureau’s activities and projects are included in the Planning Division’s Planning Work Program . The MPPB is spearheaded by Rosa Kozub, Bureau Chief ( rosa.kozub@dot.nm.gov ).
Government to Government (GTG) Unit administers contracts for seven RTPO and five MPOs, and works closely with NMDOT's District Offices; STIP Unit, Design Regions and other Divisions to ensure proactive enforcement of state and federal laws.
Bicycle, Pedestrian and Equestrian Program (BPE) Coordinator serves as a resource for NMDOT staff on BPE related issues and also provides residents and visitors with information on cycling through New Mexico.
Active Transportation and Recreational Trails Programs include the Recreational Trails Program, Transportation Alternatives Program, and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program.
Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) requires a data-driven, strategic approach to improving highway safety on all public roads that focuses on performance. Approximately $22 million is available to the NMDOT per federal fiscal year. Eligible entities include NMDOT Districts, and Tribal and Local Public agencies
Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP): The SHSP represents our State's safety goal statement and identifies the safety emphasis areas that we will focus on to achieve our goal.
Technical and Freight Planning Unit manages freight planning efforts, including maintaining and guiding implementation of the New Mexico State Freight Plan, and coordinates with freight planners within the state as well as external partners; maintains roadway classification systems, including the Functional Classification System, National Highway System (NHS), and freight specific classifications; provides technical support including maintenance of the New Mexico Statewide Travel Demand Model.
NMDOT Pedestrian Safety Action Plan (August 2021) provides a five-year framework of actions to reduce the number of pedestrian-involved injuries and fatalities in New Mexico.
Gallup Area Transportation Safety Plan (2019): The City of Gallup, NMDOT, and other stakeholders worked together to develop the Gallup Area Transportation Safety Plan to improve transportation safety in Gallup for vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
Truth or Consequences, NM Multimodal Transportation Safety Plan (2021): The NMDOT's Planning Division, City of T or C, and Lee Engineering partnered to developed this safety plan. The multidisciplinary and inclusive collaboration identified primary safety concerns and countermeasures to enhance safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists in T or C. The community envisions improved roadway safety for residents and visitors through increased vehicle speed limit compliance, suitable pedestrian facilities, accessibility, striping and signage, and reducing intersection conflicts.
State Bicycle Guideline Map: The NMDOT's State Bicycle Guideline Map is provided to assist cyclists in choosing preferred routes when bicycling through New Mexico. The map shows usable shoulder width estimates, presence of rumble strips, and segments of steep grade for all NMDOT-owned roads in New Mexico.
Research and Climate Bureau
The Research Bureau is dedicated to promoting state-of-the-practice applied research and providing innovative solutions to transportation challenges in traffic safety, aging infrastructure, sustainability, and climate resiliency. We serve our state best when we serve our nation well.
Active Research Programs:
- Catalyst of research opportunities for NMDOT and external stakeholders
- Manage a variety of applied research and engineering support contracts
- Manage the Research Oversight Committee (ROC) meetings and activities
- Manage NMDOT Transportation Pooled Fund Studies (TPF)
- Manage AASTO STEM Outreach Solutions Program for the State of New Mexico
- Manage the New Mexico State Transportation Innovation Council (STIC) meetings and activities
- State Peer Exchange
