CARLSBAD, N.M. (AP) - A key highway in southeastern New Mexico's oil country is getting a much-needed upgrade.

The Carlsbad Current-Argus reports the New Mexico Department of Transportation is working to renovate U.S. Highway 82 - the main highway for oilfield traffic between Eddy and Lea counties. The agency is investing around $58 million in federal and state funds into the project, which would improve 32 miles of U.S. Highway 82 between Artesia and Maljamar, New Mexico.

Officials say the rehabilitation project is expected to be completed this winter.

U.S. 82 was previously only a two-lane road. Officials say that road has been overburdened during the recent boom in oil and gas.

The improvements come as Texas is working to improve a portion of U.S. Highway 285.

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