Bernalillo County widening Rio Bravo to six lanes; railroad crossing closed June 18–22

Bernalillo County engineering programming manager Rodrigo Eiffold Bridal said the county is working on two projects along Rio Bravo that will widen the roadway, add pedestrian facilities and require a five-day closure at a railroad crossing next month.

Bridal said the county’s Rio Bravo Gap project, which runs from Broadway to Prince Street, began about a year ago, and a second project at the Rio Bravo and Second Street intersection — from Prince Street to just past the intersection — started recently. "We're working on 2 projects," Bridal said.

The county plans to widen Rio Bravo to six lanes total, three lanes in each direction, install a sidewalk on the north side where none existed before and improve the trail on the south side, Bridal said. He also said the railroad track will be widened to match the new six-lane road section and "requires a continuous track," so the road at the crossing will be closed for five days from June 18 to June 22. The announced detour will route traffic down Second Street to Woodward.

"The road projects will be done by the end of the year in December," Bridal said. He added that once Bernalillo County finishes its portion, the New Mexico Department of Transportation will begin its portion of the work; Bridal said the county will provide updates as that phase approaches.

The work affects drivers, pedestrians and trail users in the South Valley near Broadway, Prince Street, Second Street and Woodward. Officials emphasized the temporary nature of the railroad crossing closure and the planned detour; no construction funding sources, contract awards or permitting details were specified in the segment.

The information was provided during a county news segment hosted by Melissa Smith.