Eddy County leaders are said to be discussing ways to help deal with increased traffic volume on Carrasco Road, which is now considered a major link between two major highways south of Carlsbad. Studies have shown that when traffic gets backed up on US 285 at Derrick Road, many people split off and use Carrasco Road instead. The study also noted that connecting US 285, New Mexico 31 and US 62/180 would provide for better traffic flow around the city of Calrsbad.