Roads most traveled move forward with Corrales projects

CORRALES — There are big plans for the future of Corrales, but much of those plans can’t happen without a road to get there. Two roads have become the topic of the village as of late.

The New Mexico Department of Transportation is taking a hard look at the safety of Corrales Road, according to Mike Hamman, a former state engineer, former CEO of Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District and Corrales resident. A six-month study of the road could lead to improvements.

“It’s just very hazardous,” Hamman said.

Corrales Road was brought up at a few meetings because of safety concerns, particularly about the northern portion of it, which curves and is connected to two major roadways. Hamman spoke about the lack of safety there and what is being done about it at the Sept. 23 council meeting as well as in an interview Sept. 25. He said the NMDOT was going to help.

“The piece that they’re going to look at is the safety of the north area, which includes some rights-of-way improvement. There’s two very large elm trees that dominate the inside curve on the north end that cars have hit, and in some cases, caused fatalities and major injuries,” he said.

Hamman and about 90 others also signed a petition expressing concern for the dangerous part of road.

“Commuter traffic from Rio Rancho (River’s Edge communities, etc.) has increased dramatically over the past five years and has created safety issues on the curvy section of Corrales Road from Romero Road to the Trees of Corrales farm entrance,” the petition states.

It cites reduced visibility due to narrow shoulders and mature vegetation along the stretch of road as well as no real notice of possible congestion in the area despite speed limit signs and caution signs of blind curves.

The document also states five incidents occurred in June and July as well as several fatalities in previous years. Several residents also cited “close calls” as they enter and exit the roadway.

“There are several small farms in the area that utilize slower-moving vehicles such as tractors and trailers entering the roadway creating additional safety issues,” it states.

Hamman said the request is that the speed limit for that “S curve” be lowered from 35 to 25 miles per hour. He added that the village has said they will increase law enforcement response in the area. Hamman also stated state police are supposed to pay attention to the section as well, as Corrales Road is a highway.

The petition also support from local legislators, including Rep. Kathleen Cates and Sen. Cindy Nava. Mayor James Fahey and councilors also showed their support for the study with the DOT, according to Hamman.

Corrales Road was a big topic at a Corrales Council meeting Sept. 9. Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission members Stevie Kuenzler and Garth Dowling presented some requests for improvements to a section of the road.

Kuenzler, who said he has been a resident for 23 years, said he is an active walker and cyclist like many on the commission.

“We love walking and cycling in our village, and we strive to improve on what we have,” he said.

Their current focus is on a section of Corrales Road, also known as New Mexico 448, on the crosswalk in front of the Cottonwood Montessori school. That part of the road provides access to the recreation center on Jones Road.

“In 2014, New Mexico Department of Transportation funded and implemented a crosswalk enhancement project in this section of roadway. We find that this section of path enhancement lacks regular maintenance and upkeep, as well as the lack of effective use of striping to make this section of pathway safer for pedestrians. We suggest that the request be made to New Mexico DOT to implement necessary changes in this regard,” Kuenzler stated. “Also, perhaps having Corrales Public Works paint crosswalk striping and pedestrian images on Corrales Road in alignment with the crosswalk enhancement path.”

The section of road is about a tenth of a mile, and while it was useful at one point has since become overrun by sand, gravel and trash, according to Kuenzler. Aside from the decrease in care of the road, he also said it has become unsafe for foot traffic as cars use it as a passing lane, which poses an issue for the students at the school.

“As I said, it’s about a it’s a tenth of a mile, or 240 steps or 500 steps if you’re a third grader,” he said.

They also spoke more about a section that “gets really bad” where Corrales Teas and Chocolate sits.

Their proposed solution is better signage to let traffic know to be cautious not just of other vehicles but foot traffic as well.

Aside from Corrales Road, the large River Mile 199 project began Sept. 8, closing Siphon Road until April 15, 2026. The Bureau of Reclamation said earlier in the year that the project would work in on and off phases due to conflicting schedules with the Corrales siphon project.

Anyone with questions on the River Mile 199 River Maintenance Project can contact the Bureau of Reclamation’s Albuquerque Area Office Public Affairs Specialist Shannon Nelson at smnelson@usbr.gov or 505-462-3576.