Meadowlark moves forward in RR as Corrales bit comes to an end

CORRALES — A connecting road between Rio Rancho and Corrales has received quite the facelift the past few months, and more work is on the way.

The latest improvement was road striping for West Meadowlark Lane July 10 from Corrales Road to the village limits, which closed the road to traffic for the day.

The road was also closed from Corrales Road to Loma Larga for curb and gutter work July 1, which also took one day.

Construction on the road for Corrales’ side of the road actually began April 21 this year, closing the road in both directions for about a month and a half. However, residents that live along the road were allowed to get to their homes. The construction consisted of new curbs to facilitate drainage and protection of the asphalt. An asphalt pathway was also constructed on the north side along with crusher fines on the south side. The drainpipe was opened and allowed to drain to the pond at Paseo de Corrales.

The improvements to the road came decades after improvements were first recommended. It wasn’t until September 2023 that the funding to get the project going was approved by the village council.

Village Administrator Ron Curry told them then the actual construction wouldn’t take place until 2025, adding the road had a problematic history.

That history includes problems for foot traffic as well as right-of-way. Most of the initial pathway will be on the northbound side, and people will be able to walk on the south side as well, but Curry said at the time people won’t be put into a situation where they will be in the sight triangle pass, which is an area of unobstructed vision for traffic at the intersections of streets, alleys and driveways.

He said then that the improvements are necessary for the safety of Corraleños as well as visitors.

“It’s going to be a safer road, a road that’s going to be protected by the curbs, and it’s going to give access on either side for pedestrians,” Curry said.

The councilors voted unanimously to approve the grant agreement at that time. Now, the project is practically complete.

On the Rio Rancho side of the road improvement, which includes Meadowlark Lane and Sara Road, a different kind of project is underway. Starting in January 2024, the city considered the possibility of adding a roundabout at that intersection. According to the city website, the estimated completion date is in December.

Final design includes Sara Road from NM 528 to Meadowlark Lane and a possible roundabout at the intersection of Sara Road and Meadowlark Lane, it states on the website. The design addresses improvements, including reconstruction of the road, ADA compliance, lighting, drainage and utility infrastructure.

The city of Rio Rancho shared the timeline of the project leading up to this point:

• January 2025: 90% review submitted and reviewed. Contractor progressing to finish Environmental Review — Initial Site Assessment, Archeological Survey & Historical Properties Review.

• February 2025: Environmental Review and Archeological Survey & Historical Properties Impact submitted for city review.

• March 2025: City and contractor continue work on Environmental Review. Once completed, the city will publish the full Environmental Review & Archeological Survey, including Historical Properties Review for public comment.

• June 2025: City amended scope for environmental review to include boring locations found in the initial site assessment for leaking fuel storage tanks at two gas stations near project corridor

• July 2025: Awaiting boring testing to complete FONSI and submit Environmental Review Record to HUD and publish findings on the city website for public comment.