PNM Power Pole Replacement Project | HWY 14
updated JANUARY 20th 2026
Most of you have seen PNM’s subcontractor, Titan, placing orange traffic control barrels and power poles along HWY 14 this past week. The San Marcos Association has been in contact with PNM and, though we are waiting for formal documents that we can share with the public, SMA can give the following update. Our understanding is that power pole replacement will take place this Spring from approximately Mile Marker 37 south to Goldmine Road, with a planned May completion date. PNM has received permission from NMDOT for vegetation management but tree cutting, etc. will not begin for at least another 2 weeks. When that work commences, Davey Tree will be removing trees and vegetation only in a 15′ radius (30′ diameter) circle around each pole. Importantly, PNM will not be clearing a 10′ corridor between each pole as previously planned. No other vegetation is planned to be removed except for: a) specifically approved trees and vegetation in Galisteo Creek below the bridge in Cerrillos; and b) any trees deemed necessary to be removed due to unsafe working conditions for the crews replacing the poles. Remember, these workers are working with live electrical wires. SMA understands that an archeological observer will be present for all vegetation removal, pole replacement and related work to gain access to specific locations, etc. PNM staff also plan to be present. So, the terrain and environment should be protected as much as possible from excessive damage.
Though vegetation clearing is not planned to begin for a couple of weeks, there is a March 1 “bookend” that crews need to consider. March 1 is the official start of the bird nesting season. What that means for this project is, if vegetation is not cleared by that date, PNM will need to conduct a bird population survey before any more vegetation can be cleared – a labor intensive and time-consuming endeavor. So, in order to meet PNM’s planned May completion date, crews will work to finish the vegetation management work by March 1. As they will be doing this work in the same HWY 14 corridor as pole replacement, residents will need to be careful driving through this area as there may at times be a lot of trucks alongside the highway.
PNM plans to notify property owners within 150′ of all work sites via postcard in the coming week as to what to expect, and plans to continue to provide information to the public. SMA is working with PNM to obtain copies of those materials and will distribute them to the public when we do. As we have previously done, the San Marcos Association plans to host a community ZOOM meeting in a couple of weeks where PNM staff can answer questions and address concerns raised by the public.
Keep Checking this webpage for further updates!! And, inform any interested neighbors as well.
Should you have any specific questions or any safety concerns, please call Susie Sollien, Right of Way Specialist, at 505-418-1169.
RECENT POSTS ABOUT THIS PROJECT:
-ARCHIVE-
SMA ZOOM Meetings with PNM Staff
September 4th and August 7th
Follow up meetings will be announced via our Mailing List and Facebook
For all of you who are interested in learning more about the PNM Power Pole Replacement Project along Goldmine Road, HWY 14, and along other (lateral) roads in the future, SMA has hosted ZOOM meetings with PNM staff. on Thursday, September 4, beginning at 5:30 PM. PNM presented details about the project and addressed questions and concerns from the audience. As in past SMA-hosted ZOOM meetings, attendees were be able to ask questions using the Chat function.
PNM’s Agenda for the evening and a Video Recording are below. If you have other topics about which you would like them to present, please email those topics to SMA and we will suggest they be added to the agenda for any future meetings.
– Vegetation management plans and area (and pending NMDOT status of approval)
– Traffic Control – Gold Mine Rd
– Status of unplanned outages
– Construction progress updates
– Balloon Fiesta construction schedule pause
– Status and timing of Planned outages – this item is an SMA request
The Project Sheet and Map below show the scope of the entire project, though at this time, work is only being done along HWY 14.
Below is a list of the project team members who have participated, along with their titles:
PNM
Government Affairs & Community Relations – Carlos Lucero, Manager & Sergio Cisneros-Mata, Northern NM Coordinator
Distribution Engineering – Michael Moyer, Director & Jeremy Tabet, Manager
Environmental – Shelby Mcgee, Environmental Scientist
Vegetation Management – Justin Clemens, Senior Forester
Burns & McDonnell
Juan Carlos “JC” Cordova, Project Manager
Bradley Ode, Engineering Manager
Colton Russell, Distribution Modernization Engineer
Susie Sollien, Public Engagement Specialist
Erin Brizuela, Public Engagement Specialist
We’ll be covering:
- Project purpose & scope
- Overhead vs. underground powerline construction, permitting & regulations
- Construction timeline
- Environmental considerations – erosion, vegetation management, etc.
- Unplanned outages
- Community outreach
Note: While we won’t discuss the NMDOT right‑of‑way vegetation plan in this meeting, PNM’s Senior Forester will join us to answer questions on typical vegetation management practices
PNM leadership is continuing to follow up with NMDOT on resolving the delay with the cutting/trimming permit being issued.