The city of Rio Rancho will start a study looking at the expansion of Loma Colorado Boulevard. (Gregory Hasman/Observer)

These plans will not only open a potential corridor, but will be the guiding documents as new development occurs — city spokeswoman Annemarie Garcia

 

The City of Rio Rancho is moving forward with a project to widen Loma Colorado Boulevard between Northern Boulevard and Paseo Del Volcan NE. 

Last Thursday, the Rio Rancho Governing Body OK’d a bid award for HDR Engineering, Inc. to perform a study and preliminary design, and identify right of way acquisition and environmental clearance needs. 

“The city is taking a proactive approach to opening a new north/south arterial roadway within the center of the city,” city spokeswoman Annemarie Garcia said. “This new roadway already has permitted access to the New Mexico Department of Transportation’s Paseo del Volcan, and this could also drive additional development in the area.  

“These plans will not only open a potential corridor, but will be the guiding documents as new development occurs.” 

The expansion is part of the city’s Infrastructure and Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP). 

“I’m glad to see we’re getting this started,” Mayor Gregg Hull said, adding that the new roadway would be another great road expansion project for the city.  

He noted the expansion of Broadmoor Boulevard between Northern and Paseo Del Volcan over five years ago, as an example.

The work will help improve traffic flow in the area, Hull said.  

The Loma Colorado Boulevard study is projected to cost about $1.29 million. Of which, $1.1 million would be covered by federal grants while road impact fees will take care of the remaining $187,000. 

The study and design are expected to start next month and take 13 months to complete, according to the city.  

The timelines for future design phases and construction are yet to be determined and are dependent on available funding, she said.