Since the Commission meeting was so short, I joined our watchdogs Marjorie Majka and John Coelho to hear the update on the project to widen Rt 550 from Rt 313 to Rt 528.
The decision on choices for design was presented to be a 6 lane widening from Rt 313 to the Rio Grande bridge with a median preventing lefthand turns except at proposed signals or at several U-turn locations.
From the bridge to Rt 528 the widening would be a 6 lane “super street” concept (restricted crossing U-turn Intersections). If you think the I-25 interchange was confusing just wait until you view this concept. The website www.keep550moving.com will have the proposed concept detailed along with some computer animations of the various stretches along RT 550. It may take several days before the website is updated, but I think you should take the time to view the computer graphics.
If that’s not enough, how about the first stage which will be to build a second bridge across the river just North of the existing bridge. At this time they have $13 million appropriated and no defined schedule. They would like to start construction of the bridge by this Fall with this being the first phase and upon completion opened to traffic as the rest of the project continues.
Many attendees, including Mayor Torres, spoke regarding negative impact on the businesses along Rt 550. Other questions ranged from the super street concept, Sheriffs Posse intersection, funding, scheduling and concerns about construction. Attendees requested additional public meetings as the project progresses. NMDOT said they would consider the request.
Please go to the website for further information and updates as the project gets underway.
Ed Majka