Fatal car accident prompts evaluation of 550 corridor

UPDATE: Accident on 550 results in two fatalities

The crash that shut down US Highway 550 Thursday afternoon proved to be a double fatality, a…

After two people died in a serious car accident at the intersection of US-550 and Northwest Loop Road, local residents are demanding a traffic light be installed at the intersection. But just where should people take those concerns?

Mayor Gregg Hull says the city has been in communication the New Mexico Department of Transportation on that front.

While many residents have come to the mayor with their concerns, he explained that US 550 doesn't fall on the shoulders of the city to deal with but that he and city staff are still very concerned about what can be done.

"When it comes to traffic safety, that is a number-one priority for the city of Rio Rancho whether it's in the heart of the city or on the fringes. Whether it's a road we own or one we don't control, we are always very concerned for the safety and welfare of our citizens," he said.

Similarly, the county says it's involvement is limited.

“Sandoval County recognizes the increased traffic at the intersection of US 550 and Northwest Loop in Rio Rancho and the subsequent challenges. We are supportive of any enhanced safety measures that the state and the City of Rio Rancho will implement to reduce vehicular accidents in that area,” Sandoval County Manager Wayne Johnson said.

NMDOT is the entity taking comments and concerns for the dangerous stretch of road.

Nancy Perea, NMDOT's district three interim traffic engineer, says they are evaluating the stretch of road on US 550 where development has been increasing.

"The NMDOT has received numerous public comments on the concerns for the intersection of US 550 and Northwest Loop. US 550 is a regional principal four-lane roadway and is a T-intersection with Northwest Loop. In the vicinity of the subject intersection, US 550 has a posted speed between 65 mph and 70 mph. Over the years, there has been an increase in development, both residential and commercial, along the US 550 corridor and surrounding area," she said.

The NMDOT says it will evaluate the intersection, which would involve many factors, including but not limited to, traffic volume, speed, intersection sight triangle, crash patterns and type.

"The NMDOT strives to manage motorist expectations and work through the challenges of various driver behaviors. We appreciate this matter being brought to our attention," Perea said.

There are several possibilities that the NMDOT will consider. Hull says usually the decision is made off of traffic data. Some possible solutions are a four-way stop, a traffic light or a traffic light with signage a few miles away warning of the traffic light. Because there is a bit of a hill just before that intersection and people speed, the latter might be the best option.

If people wish to address the NMDOT commission directly, there will be a public meeting at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 19 at Rio Rancho City Hall where individuals can speak in public comment.

The Observer also requested traffic data for the intersection but did not receive those numbers at time of publication.