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Corrales leaders outline Metalark repairs, warn of temporary full road closure to expedite work
Summary
Officials told the Corrales Village Council the long‑running Metalark drainage and trail project will require re‑routing a pipe and building pathways on both sides; piping work is slated to begin in June and the village plans to close the road temporarily to accelerate construction, with estimated duration of two to six weeks.
Village officials updated the Corrales Village Council on March 11 about the Metalark drainage and trail project and said they plan a temporary full road closure at the start of major construction.
Administrators said the immediate priority is to correct an improperly routed drainage pipe by bending the pipe so it drains north, then complete pathways on both sides of Metalark. Drawings were described as nearly complete; staff said they expect drawings by the end of May and hope to start piping work around June 1.
To speed construction, officials said they plan to fully close the road for portions of the work rather than rely on alternating one‑lane flagging. The administration estimated the work could take two to six weeks, depending on weather, contractor sequencing and materials delivery. Staff pledged frequent, multi‑channel communication with residents and to make special accommodations for homeowner driveway access.
Councilors raised traffic and access concerns: one councilor noted roughly 4,800 vehicles a day use Metalark hill and asked how the village will coordinate with Albuquerque and Rio Rancho on rerouting and extended light cycles. Administrators said they will post updates on the village website, send notices, coordinate with neighboring cities and tailor access plans to minimize disruption.
Cost and scope: Council discussion included manhole placement and the decision to avoid taking private property on the south side; staff reported prior litigation and design history on the site and said avoiding right‑of‑way takings reduced complexity. An approximate project estimate discussed during the meeting placed combined piping and trail work in the high hundreds of thousands (one councilor referenced roughly $800,000 when discussing piping and trailways together), though councilors did not adopt a final budget on March 11.
Why it matters: The project addresses a long‑standing drainage deficiency and completes pathways the council has discussed for years. A full road closure would shorten construction time but will require significant traffic management and neighbor notifications.
What’s next: Staff said they will finalize drawings by late May, begin piping around June 1 if schedules hold, and provide detailed notices to residents once contractor sequencing is confirmed.
