Oregon Avenue Partial Reopening Signals Infrastructure Breakthrough for Alamogordo

Alamogordo, NM — The long-awaited reopening of Oregon Avenue between Scenic Drive and 18th Street marks a major milestone in Alamogordo’s infrastructure overhaul, restoring a vital corridor and showcasing the power of local investment  and local contract labor.

The City of Alamogordo confirmed that the underground 14-inch water line installation was successfully completed to 18th Stton Oregon by General Hydronics Utilities LLC, fulfilling a key contract milestone of substantial completion. This critical upgrade enhances water delivery capacity and reliability for surrounding neighborhoods and future development zones.

Above ground, the transformation is equally striking. Under the direction of La Luz Paving, crews led by Tony Owens, have delivered a beautifully smooth new roadway and upgraded sidewalks, setting a new standard for paving excellence in the region and alongside the neighborhood park. Residents and commuters alike are already praising the improved ride quality and pedestrian access. “Smooth roads that the city clearly needs are coming to life — built by local workers creating local jobs,” said one city official during a recent site visit.

Strategic Investment in Long-Term Growth

The Oregon Avenue Water and Road Replacement Project is part of a broader infrastructure initiative launched by the city to address decades of deferred maintenance. Since October 2024, Alamogordo has completed multiple high-impact projects, including:

• New York Avenue water and sewage line replacement with the grand opening of New York Avenue Celebration slated for November 29th, 2025.

• Hubbard Bridge reconstruction

• Upper and Lower Heights tank rehabilitations

• Zoo IT infrastructure upgrades

• Public Works basin improvements

Mayor Pro Tem Sharon McDonald and Commissioner Warren Robinson have championed these efforts as foundational to Alamogordo’s smart growth strategy. “Smart growth is more than buildings and roads; it’s about creating a strong foundation that allows residents, businesses, and future generations to thrive,” McDonald stated during the ribbon-cutting of the new 2.3 million-gallon storage tank at Lower Heights recently

What’s Next for Oregon Avenue and Beyond

With the Scenic-to-18th segment now open, crews are continuing phased work southward toward 10th Street including utility upgrades and more new roadway. The intersection at 14th Street remains temporarily closed as construction progresses.

By year’s end, Alamogordo aims to wrap up several more projects, including:

• Great Blocks downtown revitalization grand opening November 29th, 2025.

• 10th Street Bridge improvements

• Golf Course irrigation system overhaul

• Zoo perimeter wall upgrades

The city has also announced plans to bid out 12 new infrastructure projects, ranging from stormwater improvements to wastewater system redesigns — all designed to support housing expansion, commercial investment, and enhanced quality of life.

Community Impact and Transparency

While some residents have voiced concerns over traffic disruptions, city officials emphasize that the short-term inconvenience is outweighed by long-term gains. The City Commission continues to provide real-time updates and encourages public engagement through meetings and digital platforms.

For ongoing updates, residents can visit the City of Alamogordo’s official site or follow @CityOfAlamogordo on Facebook and stay tuned to KALHRadio.org and AlamogordoTownNews.org for updates. 

Sources:

City of Alamogordo PSA

2nd Life Media Alamogordo Town News – Infrastructure Priority with Real-Time Results

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