US Highway 550 Improvements

This HIA looked at a Department of Transportation proposal to redesign a five-lane, federal highway that runs through the small town of Cuba, New Mexico. This rapid HIA, initiated by a community advocacy group, looked at the potential impacts of proposed highway improvements, such as better lighting and sidewalks, on community health, walkability, pedestrian safety, social cohesion/community connectedness and economic development for downtown business. Ultimately, the HIA predicted that proposed improvements might encourage more walking in the downtown area, decrease the frequency and severity of pedestrian injuries, improve the overall atmosphere of downtown and potentially bolster the local economy. The HIA recommended that traffic calming measures, such as speed feedback signs, median islands and signage to designate the entrance into town and deceased speed limits, be included in the improvement plans to maximize potential community health benefits.