The City of Rio Rancho has issued a Request for Proposals for the rehabilitation of a 2.5-mile stretch of Unser Boulevard.
The project, part of a larger ongoing rehabilitation of the well-travelled thoroughfare that connects Rio Rancho with Albuquerque, will see work on a segment between Southern Boulevard and the southern limits of Rio Rancho.
Work on the $6.4 million project will include a mill and inlay of 2.5 inches on both the north and southbound lanes, crack pitching and sealing to be completed on the milled surface, and repairs to the existing asphalt.
Work will additionally entail the building of new concrete curbs; the installation of a colored median concrete, and curb ramps built in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
New manholes are also scheduled to be installed, as well as hot thermoplastic permanent striping, and new signage.
Work rehabilitating Unser Boulevard from Abrazo Road NE to Southern Boulevard was launched earlier this year.
In March, Rio Rancho voters overwhelmingly approved general obligation bonds for the Unser Boulevard work, providing up to $10.8 million in funding.
One of the busiest routes in New Mexico, the 24-mile long Unser Boulevard has seen its traffic load more than double in recent years, and now serves up to 30,000 vehicles a day.
By Garry Boulard
