New Mexico

New Mexico is home to unique and colorful examples of regionally inspired SRA design.  The state's SRAs were designed to capture a thematic romanticism that would offer visitors a sense of the regions cultural history.  New Mexico's SRA program was innitiated in the mid 1960s, with their first completed sites opening in July of 1967. 

The following is an excerpt from a report given by M.A. Fleig of the New Mexico State Highway Commission to the 26^th annual Ohio Short Course on Roadside Development in 1967

 Our first complete rest areas were opened to the public in July of this year.  By complete, I mean rest areas containing modern rest rooms, water, lighting and picnic shelters with tables.  These are located on Interstate #10 in the southern part of the state and Interstate #40 which replaces U.S. 66.  By the end of this calendar year we will have four pairs of Intestate rest areas and four singles on the primary-secondary system in operation.

 Landscaping is not included in these contracts at present time.  We are accomplishing this phase through the use of state forces and personnel from the general office.  Native plant material is available to us though our continuing contract with the Soil Conservation Service.

 Maintenance and constant supervision of the rest areas is being carried out at the district level.  A definite policy concerning this has not been developed.  We are lacking in depth of experience in this are so are not able to pass on any constructive comments.  This applies also to usage of the various facilities.  A survey program has been initiated which should provide information that we can pass on.

 The program for this coming fiscal year recently approved by the Highway Commission is quite an ambitious one.  The program is substantially dependent upon the appropriation of beautification funds similar in amount to what we have received the past two years.  In addition, the Highway Commission has authorized the use of Highway Trust Funds for rest area construction in two instances which will accelerate the program.  When this year’s proposed program is complete we will have nearly 50% of the rest areas on the Interstate System complete and in operation.

 Location and design of rest areas are subjects which have been discussed at great length particularly at the regional and national levels.  Our sites are selected either for view or unique characteristics within or near the site.  Each area is designed individually in order to blend it into the surrounding area or to portray the related unique characteristic.  We have three architect designed sets of buildings, i.e., contemporary, Indian Hogan and pueblo or Spanish.  A conscious effort is made to keep from repeating any of the designs adjacent to each other.  In addition to these we are in the process of commissioning an architect to develop the specific design replicating Fort Union in North East New Mexico.  Fort Union was located on the Santa Fe Trail which played an important role in the development of New Mexico, by providing protection against Indian attack for the wagon trains and people traveling the trail.

Welcome center and toilet building located on I-10 west bound in New Mexico at mile marker 164, early 1970s

Picnic shelters located in welcome center at mile marker 164 at the New Mexico, Texas border.  Dozens of these shelters are clustered around a central parking area that opens to the welcome center building.

Regionally designed toilet building located in SRA at mile marker 61 west bound on I-10 in New Mexico, late 1960s

Picnic shelter located in the mile marker 61 SRA.  These shelters are oriented at random and spaced in a manner that provides the feeling of a developing settlement.