The Transportation and Safety needs play a critical role in Guadalupe County’s economy, particularly by enhancing the local market for tourism.   The area became noted as a stop on Historic Route 66 and today the food and lodging industry flourishes along Interstate 40.  Santa Rosa has grown at the crossroads of federal highways and must consider all safety aspects.  Interstate 40 is one of the most heavily traveled east/west routes in the country. It parallels portions of Historic Route 66, and carries many travelers touring the southwest. It serves as a major trucking route between the east and west coast. 

US 54 continues to be an important freight route from manufacturing centers in the upper Midwest to supply operations on the Mexican border.  Other major US highways in the County include: US 285, an important north/south route in New Mexico; US 84, which provides access to Fort Sumner to the southeast.  The Correctional Facility has increased high traffic volumes at the west interchange and must be evaluated for safety and maintenance.

The Santa Rosa Business Loop project consists of a new roadway in the southwest area of Santa Rosa, New Mexico. The proposed 2-lane roadway corridor begins at US 54 and Camino de Vida, adjacent to the new Santa Rosa Middle School, proceeds northeasterly across the Pecos River with a new bridge, and intersects with 3^rd Street (NM 91) between the Santa Rosa High School and the City’s Janes-Wallace Memorial Park. This proposed facility will provide: