New Mexico Governor Kicks Off ARRA Project

Governor Bill Richardson Breaks Ground on I-40 Paseo Del Volcan Stimulus Project

June 10, 2009 --

ALBUQUERQUE – New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, joined by state and local officials, broke ground today on the Interstate 40 Paseo del Volcan stimulus project, a $27 million dollar project that is the fourth transportation project funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to get underway in New Mexico.

“This project and each of our transportation projects does exactly what the recovery act is designed to do- create jobs, build and improve our national infrastructure, and pump money into our local economies,” said Governor Richardson. “Paseo del Volcan is the first Albuquerque exit for motorists coming from the West. The redesign of this interchange will help accommodate the increased traffic that comes with strong, responsible growth."

“Thanks to the forward-thinking of our Transportation Commission and the swift actions of our employees, the Department was prepared well in advance of the recovery act, and was able to quickly move forward with nine highway projects,” said Secretary Gary L. J. Girón. “We are following an aggressive schedule and will have all nine projects underway by this summer."

The State Transportation Department has already completed two earlier projects worth nearly $33 million through GRIP. This project, which will complete the final phase of work in the area, will cost approximately $27 million and will take about a year to complete. Upon the completion of the full roadway and interchange reconstruction, motorists will notice a new overpass, new ramps, new construction of Paseo del Volcan in the surrounding area, new construction of Central Avenue in the immediate vicinity and realignment of Central onto the existing southwest frontage road.

The reconstruction of I-40 will also extend the climbing lane that was constructed during the most recent project between 98th Street and Paseo del Volcan further west. In addition, crews will work with AMAFCA to extend the current storm drain system to accommodate current and future development in the area.

Over the next couple of weeks crews will be installing detours throughout the area. Once this is complete, traffic will be shifted to eastbound I-40 for 150 days with eastbound traffic restricted to one lane and two lanes for westbound traffic throughout the work zone. All ramp access to the interstate and the overpass will remain open. Access to area businesses will be maintained throughout the duration of the project To date, the state has received approximately $278 million for state and local transportation and transit projects. This includes about $15 million for improvements to airports in Las Cruces, Santa Fe, and Double Eagle Airport in Albuquerque near this latest ARRA project. The state will receive approximately $12 million for about 80 statewide transit projects and about $69 million for nearly 70 local road projects.

Source: New Mexico Governor