GRIP US 84/285 - Pojoaque to Espanola

 

News!

Traffic Advisory for US 84/285 in Arroyo Seco

U.S. 84/285 Southbound Traffic To Use New Frontage Road in Arroyo Seco

Governor Bill Richardson Dedicates First Transportation Projects Funded by Recovery Act

Transportation Officials Break Ground on U.S. 84/285 GRIP Reconstruction Project

 

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 ** IMPORTANT CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION **

 

Project Background U.S. 84/285 is the primary north-south surface transportation facility that exists within the north-central region of New Mexico. Rapid growth within this area of the state has resulted in significant traffic increases along this corridor; containing approximately 24,000 vehicles per day. This traffic volume projection is expected to reach 46,000 vehicles by the year 2026. A nearly 11-mile stretch of U.S. 84/285 corridor from Pojoaque to Espanola will undergo reconstruction to accommodate growing traffic needs and to correct existing deficiencies causing traffic jams.

Vicinity Map

 Project Information

District Five Engineers and Project Manager Diego Gomez are working to complement that 20 year design plan necessary to complete these goals; including pavement rehabilitation, the addition of turning lanes and highway access lanes, the installation of new traffic signals, and also the addition of barrier walls to eliminate noise for the local residents in this area. The mile-long project was completed in two phases beginning in summer 2006 and completed in the fall of 2007. The project is valued at nearly $5.2 million.

In September 2007, the Department began work on another portion of U.S. 84/285 from mile marker 181.6 to 183.53. The nearly two-mile long stretch included rehabilitation and was completed in Decemeber 2007, with crews coming back to complete the $2.76 million project in summer 2008.

Following these projects, in December 2008, Transportation Officials broke ground on the $8.5 million reconstruction project at the "Dreamcatcher Intersection" near Espanola. The project is expected to be completed by fall 2009 and will include improving traffic flow by realigning the intersection at N.M. 106 and N.M. 399 near the Dreamcatcher Theater. Reconstruction will also include widening shoulders, adding dual left-turn lanes, upgrading signals and lighting and constructing pedestrian enhancements for the crossings at Sombrillo Elementary School. This project also starts Phase I of the constrcution of the new frontage road system along both eastbound and westbound U.S. 84/285 that will help alleviate traffic on the busy highway.

On May 12, 2009, Governor Richardson along with other state and local officials broke ground on two additional project along this corridor thanks to funds provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The state awarded Star Paving an $8 million reconstruction project from mile marker 186 to 188, just north of the Dreamcatcher Intersection. Mountain States Constructors was awarded the $25.6 million reconstruction job south of the Dreamcatcher Intersection that includes the construction of frontage roads. Both projects are expected to take about a year-and-a-half.

Key Project Issues
There are a wide variety of issues that must be evaluated prior to determining the appropriate course of action for any proposed transportation corridor improvement project. Some of the key issues being evaluated under the current study include:

 

• Regional Growth / Future Transportation Needs
  • Existing traffic volume: 23,000 vehicles per day
  • 20-year estimated traffic volume: 42,000 vehicles per day
  • Integrity & continuity of the National Highway System
  • Regional Importance of the U.S. 84-285 Corridor
  • Multi-modal considerations

• Safety
  • Speed differentials: local traffic vs. higher speed commuter traffic

• Access
  • Interchanges vs. at grade intersections
  • Access to homes and businesses
  • Access management considerations

• Environmental & Community Issues
  • Right-of-way
  • Potential impacts to natural & historic resources
  • Community setting / Context Sensitive Solutions
  • Bicycle & pedestrian access
  • Noise & visual considerations