As a result of partnering with the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) for the 2022-2023 Local Government Road Fund (LGRF), Rio Rancho will soon be addressing several city-wide transportation concerns, including upgrading traffic signal equipment and remediating ADA deficiencies in public rights-of-way.
In May, the city was awarded an LGRF grant for $188,000; the terms of which require recipients to share 25% of a project’s cost — or $47,000 — with a net award of $141,000.
The money will be used to upgrade the TS1 traffic signal system at Intel Corp. at Sara Road and Barbara Loop. The system is one of only two of the city’s 60 traffic signal systems that hasn’t been upgraded. All others are TS2 systems. Not upgrading could result in failure of the existing unit.
Additionally, the grant will be used to remediate ADA deficiencies in public rights-of-way. The grant will enable the city to improve ramps in the following five locations: 1) Northern Boulevard from Loma Colorado to Perla Street; 2) Western Hills Drive from Unser Boulevard to Cabezon Boulevard; 3) Chianti Road from Montano Loop to Golf Course Road; 4) Nicklaus Drive from Southern Boulevard to West Island Drive; and 5) Grande Vista Road from 558 to Corrales Road.
Funds will also be used to upgrade traffic detection equipment and enhance school zones at Sandia Vista Elementary and Eagle Ridge Middle School.
