NMDOT funds will allow Meadowlark Ln. improvements in Corrales

CORRALES — Corrales will be able to improve Meadowlark Lane with a grant from New Mexico Department of Transportation.

The Corrales Council approved entering into the grant agreement with NMDOT Sept. 24. The grant is for $693,000 to plan, design and construct improvements to West Meadowlark Lane.

Councilor Rick Miera was curious about the timeline of construction and the impact on residents along Meadowlark.

Village Administrator Ron Curry says the actual construction won’t take place until 2025.

“We’ve informed all of them. We’re looking at early next year for everything to begin,” he said.

He added that Meadowlark has been worked on for several years.

“It’s got a problematic history,” he said.

That history includes problems for foot traffic as well as right of way. Now, according to Curry, the improvements will include curbs on both sides of Meadowlark to protect the asphalt and a walkway. 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 says people won’t be put into a situation where people will be in the sight triangle pass. The sight triangle is an area of unobstructed vision for traffic at the intersections of streets, alleys and driveways.

The improvements are necessary for the safety of Corraleños as well as visitors.

“Now we’re going to finish it. 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.