This map shows the planned detours during roadwork on Southern Boulevard between Unser and Rainbow boulevards. The project is expected to start Monday and last four months. Courtesy of the City of Rio Rancho.

Work to improve Southern Boulevard between Unser and Rainbow boulevards is scheduled to start Monday.

The project is designated as Phase 3 of the Southern Boulevard Restoration Project. Phase 2, from Golf Course Road to Unser, will get crack-sealing and patching, but the City of Rio Rancho doesn’t yet have the $25 million needed to reconstruct that stretch of road, Mayor Gregg Hull has said.

According to the city website, the Phase 3 project involves construction of a new roadway from Rainbow to 15th Street, crack-sealing and patching from 15th to Unser, a new right-turn lane at the intersection of Baltic Avenue and Southern, and new Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant ramps throughout the project area.

“This project will improve the safety, accessibility and overall function of the roadway,” according to the website.

The city estimates the work will take four months, finishing in June. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Albuquerque Asphalt has the contract for the project.

The construction cost is about $2.1 million. The City of Rio Rancho provided $1.2 million, New Mexico Department of Transportation paid $760,000, and Sandoval County contributed $100,000, according to the city website.

For maps of planned detours and other project information, visit rrnm.gov/4440/Southern-Boulevard-Phase-3 or contact project manager Bill Ladd at 891-5032 or [email protected].