Next PDV extension section moves into design, construction years away

RIO RANCHO — An anything-but-new project is heading into the design phase for the next part, but residents will have to wait five-plus years for construction.

Paseo Del Volcan has been in the works for decades now, but it was made clear at a public meeting Aug. 6 that the next phase, which intersects with Southern and Northern boulevards, is heading into design after a series of studies.

Parametrix project studiers David and Tyler Pennington presented to a group at the Star Heights Recreation Center with the help of New Mexico Department of Transportation’s Luke Smith. Their focus was on the Rainbow to Southern boulevard portion of the project.

They first addressed prior public input that included concerns about arroyo water flow, conditions of existing roads and lack of their maintenance, desire for street lighting, objections to street lighting, foot traffic paths, traffic, noise, and access to the bulk fill water station at Northern Boulevard and 21st Street.

“All of those questions, those comments, the answers, we consider it as we put together the project. That’s why we collect early input,” David said.

He added that they feel they have addressed many of those concerns through the course of the study and if there are any other major concerns, they will rethink aspects of the project to accommodate if necessary.

The recommended road design, according to the presentation, will have a two-lane offset to the east of the right-of-way centerline, creating one lane each direction and a 10-foot multi-use trail about 50 feet to the east of the road. It will include an 8-foot shoulder and a taper off the edge of the road.

It will also come with intersection improvements to both Southern and Northern boulevards. Southern will be realigned approaching the PDV roadway to improve driver visibility at the intersection. Northern will be reconstructed between 19th Avenue and 20th Street to provide safe access to them. Sandia Boulevard and 19th Street will be connected to PDV, providing future major access points; 29th and 28th avenues will be realigned approaching Vista Road.

Additionally, stop signs will be added on PDV at Southern and Northern boulevards, leaving both free flow, and at Sandia, 19th and Vista, leaving PDV free flow. The Rainbow Boulevard intersection with PDV will be a four-way stop. There will be a fence added along PDV at 23 dirt roads as well.

David said there is collaboration with Southern Sandoval County Arroyo Flood Control Authority for the Calabacillas Arroyo, which would impact the surrounding area to PDV should flooding go unchecked. He added there are several channels to be lined and checked for erosion with structures strategically placed.

Tyler talked more about the environmental aspects of the study. Ultimately, he said there were no special plants or animal species found that could potentially be disturbed by the construction.

Nine archaeological sites were discovered, however, Tyler said. Though they were relatively minor, the New Mexico State Historic Preservation Officer has been included in the project.

He also confirmed that any noise level increases created by traffic on PDV will be small. They did not recommend noise barriers.

Construction for the road itself will amount to almost $78 million, and the trail alongside it adds nearly $12 million. However, Smith said those prices could increase. They look at cost regularly and update it as they go along.

The main reason the project is taking so long is because of lack of necessary funding, according to Smith. He encouraged people to call their legislators to allocate moneys toward the project.

David asked the room to raise their hand if they support the project moving forward. At least 75% of the room supported the idea. That is not to say, however, that many people didn’t have demands or questions.

The main question was when construction would take place. Smith said he can’t determine the exact timeline but estimated it would be about five to 10 years, prompting a gasp from the audience.

“I don’t have a crystal ball,” Smith said.

The slow up is funding, but for this section of the project to move forward, the Unser to Rainbow section needs to finish first.

Others asked about the existing PDV from Unser to US 550, wondering if there will be changes to accommodate traffic. The answer was that if traffic numbers reach the point where more lanes are warranted, they will add more lanes.

Some residents had concerns about their property values and possible acquired homes. Those questions were directed to more private conversations for case-by-case talks.

The next step for NMDOT and Parametrix is to make any necessary changes to the recommended course of action and finalize the report by fall. Then, design will be commenced by winter, and consultation with the preservation officer is set to be completed by early 2026.

When the whole extension is completed, PDV will stretch from US 550 to I-40. There is one final phase of the road once the Rainbow to Southern portion is completed.

Sandoval County is working on the design plans for PDV’s extension between Unser and Rainbow, according to Smith. The county is leading this effort locally, following NMDOT’s procedures. Funding for both design and construction of this segment has already been authorized. Sandoval County did not respond to an update request in time for publication.

In the meantime, people can email PDV@Parametrix.com or visit the PDV project page on dot.nm.gov to comment on the project or learn more about it.