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Public Works director details geobond projects, Northern Boulevard and multi-year street program
Summary
Public Works Director BG Gottlieb updated the board on geobond projects (2022 and 2024), Northern Boulevard’s multi-phase $40M scope, Sarrah Road design with a potential roundabout, College Boulevard extension underway, and neighborhood street programs with procurement and funding constraints.
BG Gottlieb, Rio Rancho's public works director, gave a broad update on street, drainage and transportation projects funded through geobonds and federal programs.
Gottlieb said most 2019 geobond projects are complete but Northern Boulevard (from Rockaway Boulevard to 528) remains under construction and is ahead of schedule. He told the board the 2024 geobond is smaller (about $10.5 million) and that high inflation has reduced the number of deliverable projects. Upcoming projects include Safe Flight Boulevard mill-and-inlay and design work on Lima Road and 19th Avenue; some work will require additional utility coordination and drainage design.
On Sarrah Road reconstruction, Gottlieb said congressional direct-spending and a HUD grant partially fund the project but the city currently has $1.5 million committed against a $5–6 million estimated cost; staff is seeking additional congressional funding and expects construction could begin in early–late 2025 depending on awards or budget decisions. He said staff is reviewing a roundabout option at an intersection and is addressing federal environmental and right-of-way requirements.
Gottlieb described the neighborhood streets improvement program (hybrid mill-and-inlay and patch-and-seal). Hybrid pilot work advanced into a second phase; in-house patch-and-seal (phase 8) began March 2024 and aims to finish by November 2024; a supplemental phase experienced two rounds of no bidders and is now under contract with a vendor to start work this month.
The director discussed larger corridor projects such as 15th Street and the Bridal Road culvert crossing; he said Northern Boulevard is a roughly $40 million multi-phase project constrained by annual TIP funding and right-of-way acquisition, and noted the Bridal Road culvert project was delayed by right-of-way issues but obtained additional federal funds and is awaiting FHWA obligation to proceed with fall construction.
Board questions addressed one-off pothole repairs, road eligibility maps (rrnm.gov/maps), weight restrictions set by governing-body resolution, geotechnical pavement designs for long-life arterials and how the city coordinates with DOT for freight routing. Gottlieb emphasized coordination with utilities, development services and MRCOG for funding opportunities and community coordination when projects affect neighborhoods.
