Research group says NM roads need upgrading

A national highway research group says a fifth of New Mexico's roads need upgrading because they are in poor or mediocre condition.

 In a report issued Tuesday, the Washington, D.C-based group called TRIP said New Mexico's economy would receive a boost if roads and bridges were improved. 

The organization is partly sponsored by the highway construction industry. 

The group rates 67 percent of New Mexico roads in good or excellent condition and 12 percent in fair condition. The report said 44 percent of the major roads in the Albuquerque area are in poor or mediocre condition, and a third of Santa Fe's main roads had similar ratings. 

The Legislative Finance Committee has proposed $25 million for road improvements next year from taxes on motor vehicle sales.

Research group says NM roads need upgrading