Raising Cane's opening could induce traffic issues

As the opening of Raising Cane's approaches, people may be concerned about potential issues with traffic.

If this opening is anything like the Albuquerque opening on Montgomery Boulevard, customers can expect long lines at peak hours.

"As with all of our restaurant openings, we do have a traffic plan with contingency plans in place and have met with the city of Rio Rancho and the police department to discuss such plans," Senior Manager Hannah Henderson said.

She added that because volume will probably vary throughout the day, the traffic plans are subject to change.

"During peak hours (lunch rush), getting cars through the drive-thru and in and out of our restaurant as quickly and efficiently as possible to prevent any slowdown on main roads we occupy is of utmost importance. Our traffic plan reflects this. In between peaks, the volume will decrease, thus the traffic plan could change," Henderson explained.

The restaurant has also hired more than 135 crew members to support service.

"We are working with the city to ensure our customers in Rio Rancho can get their hands on our ONE LOVE – craveable Chicken Finger meals – on opening day and in the days that follow," she added.

The city expressed concern for potential traffic issues.

"It is possible that opening of Raising Cane's may cause traffic congestion in the area of Southern and Unser. Raising Cane's has been working with the city on a traffic control plan to help mitigate traffic impacts to the traveling public. Once additional information is available, the city will post it on its social media pages," Communications Specialist Jaley Turpen said on behalf of the city.

Both the city and RRPD are reminding the community to obey traffic laws, to not follow too closely, to not text and drive, heed any traffic control devices and signage as well as to give yourself a few extra minutes and consider alternative routes. The city added that should be the expectation of any given day.

"And while there is an excitement for the new business to come to Rio Rancho, we encourage people to visit the establishment a few days after the opening to avoid the anticipated traffic," Turpen added.

The restaurant is hosting a ribbon cutting at 8:15 a.m. June 6.