Senate Memorial 30 requests the New Mexico Department of Transportation and the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Bureau of the New Mexico State Police to conduct a comprehensive study of United States Highway 491. The study aims to address various issues related to road maintenance, environmental conditions, and safety for drivers, school children, and pedestrians. The resolution highlights the highway's significance as a major north-south route through western New Mexico and the eastern Navajo Nation, noting its dual role as a scenic tourist route and a critical commercial trucking corridor. It emphasizes the need for improved safety measures due to increased traffic, particularly from heavy commercial trucks, and the challenges posed by extreme weather events and inadequate road maintenance.

The memorial outlines specific data that the study should include, such as road conditions, daily traffic counts, accident statistics, and law enforcement activity related to commercial vehicles. It also calls for an analysis of environmental factors affecting road safety and recommendations for enhancing pedestrian safety, particularly at school bus stops. Additionally, the study should assess the future demand for commercial truck drivers in New Mexico and strategies for increasing the number of qualified drivers. The findings and recommendations are to be reported to the appropriate legislative interim committees by November 1, 2026.