Governor Bill Richardson & Senator Tom Udall Announce Plans to Study High-Speed Rail Linking New Mexico, Colorado & Texas
NMDOT Breaks Ground on Second Economic Stimulus Project on U.S. 491
Three-Year Anniversary of the New Mexico Rail Runner Express
A monthly newsletter of the New Mexico Department of Transportation
Que Pasa July 2009
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Briefing
Governor Bill Richardson celebrated the opening of the newest Rail Runner Station, located at N.M. 599 and Interstate 25, and also announced new Sunday train service from Belen to Santa Fe.
11 Santa Fe County/N.M. 599 Rail Runner Station:
9 Secretary Girón Announces Opening of Two Emergency Services Heliports: 6 NMDOT Breaks Ground on Second Economic Stimulus Project on U.S. 491:
4 Transportation Officials Break Ground on U.S. 62/180 Stimulus Project near Carlsbad:
Governor Bill Richardson joined transportation and Navajo Nation officials in breaking ground on the construction of two additional lanes along U.S. 491 from Newcomb to Little Water.
Transportation Secretary Gary L. J. Girón announced that the Department’s Aviation Division has opened two emergency services heliports in rural New Mexico. The Mosquero and Red River heliports opened earlier this month to serve rural areas of the state where medical services are limited.
State Transportation officials, joined by Congressman Harry Teague, broke ground on the U.S. 62/180 stimulus project south of Carlsbad, a $16.5 million dollar project that is the sixth highway project funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to get underway in New Mexico.
7 Governor Bill Richardson & Senator Tom Udall Announce Plans to Study High-Speed Rail Linking New Mexico, Colorado & Texas:
9 Transportation Commission Approves More Than $26 Million to Help Local Governments:
Initial steps in developing a high-speed rail corridor between El Paso and Denver running through New Mexico.
5 State and Local Officials Break Ground on Las Cruces Int’l Airport ARRA Runway Reconstruction:
8 Transportation Secretary Girón Encourages Summer Travelers to Use 511 Transportation
$26 million in Local Government Road Fund to improve city and county roads, school bus routes and public school parking lots across the state.
Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima, NMDOT Aviation Division Director Tom Baca and other state and local officials broke ground on the first of three airport improvement projects under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
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State sees dramatic increase in call volume in first year: Since January 2008, the state has had nearly 700,000 calls to the road advisory hotline. Call volume began to significantly increase after July 10, 2008, when the state transitioned to the new system.
10 Three-Year Anniversary of the New Mexico Rail Runner Express:
NMDOT and MRCOG celebrate three years of service.
Briefing
10 The New Mexico Rail Runner Express Travels to Raton and Las Vegas: 13 Volunteers Help Deter Graffiti:
With the assistance of local volunteers from the Mescalero Apache Tribe painted wall barriers and two pedestrian overpass bridges on U.S. 70 in Mescalero.
The New Mexico Rail Runner Express made a special trip north for open house events in the cities of Raton and Las Vegas. Members of the public were invited to climb aboard the Rail Runner and check out the train first-hand.
14 San Juan County Law Enforcement Agencies Named Winner of Governor’s Fourth Annual DrunkBuster Awards:
Law enforcement agencies in San Juan County were honored today by DWI Czar Rachel O’Connor and state officials for their efforts in the battle against drunk driving in New Mexico. The New Mexico State Police, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office and the Farmington Police Department were presented with the Governor’s DrunkBuster Award for high performance in reducing DWI in 2008.
14 Blood Drive at D5
12 New Rail Runner Train Schedules Ready to go into Effect: See schedules on page 16.
The New Mexico Rail Runner Express opened the Santa Fe County/N.M. 599 Station on Saturday, August 1st. In order to accommodate this station, new weekday and Saturday schedules are effective August 1st.
12 NM Rail Runner Express Creates Overflow Parking Lot to Ease Congestion at Los Ranchos/Journal Center Station:
This week, crews have begun construction on an overflow Rail Runner parking lot at the Los Ranchos/Journal Center Rail Runner Station in the north valley. The overflow lot, which is directly across the street from the station, will add another 130 parking spaces.
Now Open!
Connect to the New Mexico Park and Ride shuttle
13 New Mexico Department of Transportation Announces Winner of Bicycle Contest and Survey:
The New Mexico Department of Transportation announced the winner of a recent survey that would help the Department plan for improved bicycle facilities throughout the state. The survey was combined with a contest that would award one lucky participant with a brand new bike.
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Groundbreaking
A shot of U.S. 62/180. The project includes adding two additional lanes to the highway.
Transportation Officials Break Ground on U.S. 62/180 Stimulus Project Near Carlsbad
“Improving this highway from Carlsbad to the Texas State Line by adding two more lanes will not only enhance safety but also increase tourism and economic development in this region”
Harry teague, broke on tHe u.s. 62/180 stimulus project soutH of carlsbad, a $16.5 million dollar project that is the sixth highway project funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to get underway in New Mexico. “This is an important corridor for Southeast New Mexico that supports interstate commerce and brings thousands of tourists each year to the Carlsbad Caverns National Park,” Transportation Commission Chairman Johnny Cope said. “Improving this highway from Carlsbad to the Texas State Line by adding two more lanes will not only enhance safety but also increase tourism and economic development in this region.” “Road projects like the expansion of this critical highway from Carlsbad to Texas are
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tate transportation officials, joined by congress-
examples of how the Recovery Act can help turn New Mexico’s economy around,” said Congressman Harry Teague. “This funding will not only create jobs working on lane expansion but it will also help the corridor see increased tourism investment.” “Thanks to our congressional delegates, 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 State Transportation Secretary Gary L. J. Girón. “We are following an aggressive schedule and will have all nine projects underway by this summer.” Construction on U.S. 62/180 between Carlsbad and the Texas State Line began in 2007. The Department finished two of the five phases of the four-lane project; currently one phase is under construction, breaking ground on the fourth was held
today, and the fifth phase will be let later this summer. This project is scheduled to take about 18 months to complete. in addition, work has begun on an additional stimulus project in Southern New Mexico along N.M. 128. The $15.5 million project in Lea County includes reconstruction of about 14 miles as well as installation of drainage structures, fencing and erosion control measures. This project is scheduled to be complete in about a year. 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.
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Groundbreaking
The $10.9 million project will help reconstruct runway 12-30 at the Las Cruces International Airport.
State and Local Officials Break Ground on Las Cruces Int’l Airport ARRA Runway Reconstruction
“Through the recovery act, New Mexico will receive about $278 million for transportation projects, including nearly $16 million for three aviation projects throughout the state”
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as Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima, NMDOT Aviation Division Director Tom Baca and other state and local officials broke ground on the first of three airport improvement projects under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The $10.9 million project will help reconstruct runway 12-30 at the Las Cruces International Airport, that was originally built during World War II as a training facility. “Through the recovery act, New Mexico will receive about $278 million for transportation projects, including nearly $16 million for three aviation projects throughout the state,” said Transportation Secretary Gary Girón. “This money will help improve all facets of transportation in New Mexico—aviation, transit and roadways— while creating jobs and providing a much needed boost to our state’s economy.” Over the next several months, the City
“This investment will help our airport tremendously, not only in rebuilding the runway, but allowing us to reach out to major airlines to utilize our facilities for connecting flights,” said Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima. Today, the three-runway airport serves general aviation traffic in addition to providing a base for a National Guard unit and an air ambulance service. The Department of Transportation awarded the other two aviation projects: A $5.2 million reconstruction project at Double Eagle Airport in Albuquerque was awarded to Mountain States Constructors Inc., and Salls Aviation Division Director Tom Baca ad- Brothers Construction was awarded the dresses the crowd at the groundbreak- contract for approximately $900,000 ing. to reconstruct runway 2-20 at Santa Fe Municipal Airport. Work on both these I-10, a nearly $50 million project that will projects is currently underway. benefit both New Mexico and Texas.”
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of Las Cruces will see several benefits from the stimulus money. Last month, we began installing LED lighting throughout the city and soon we will begin reconstructing
Groundbreaking
Officials break ground on U.S. 491 from Newcomb to Little Water.
NMDOT Breaks Ground on Second Economic Stimulus Project on U.S. 491
“The state has moved swiftly with several shovel-ready stimulus projects; seven of nine highway projects are already underway, These projects are having an immediate impact on our economy, creating jobs and pumping money into the state.”
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bill ricHardson joined transGary L. J. Girón said. “The Department has invested $72 navajo nation officials million into this roadway to date and will continue to make in breaking ground on tHe constructhis project a top priority until the entire corridor is comtion of two additional lanes along u.s. plete.” 491 from newcomb to little water. “We have made a commitment to support highway and The $18.3 million project, originally part of Governor infrastructure improvements along US 491,” District Six Richardson’s Investment Partnership (GRIP), qualified for Transportation Commissioner Jackson Gibson said. “This funding under the American Recovery and project will add two additional Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and is schedlanes, providing safety and aculed for completion in fall 2010. This is commodating increased traffic the second ARRA funded project along volumes.” U.S. 491. The contract was awarded to “The state has moved swiftly with sevSkanska USA Civil West Rocky eral shovel-ready stimulus projects; seven Mountain Region Construction of nine highway projects are already unbased out of Cortez, Colorado derway,” Governor Bill Richardson said. in May 2009. The project in“These projects are having an immediate cludes new roadway construcimpact on our economy, creating jobs and tion of the northbound lanes of pumping money into the state. This project U.S. 491, making this segment along U.S. 491 is especially important as a four-lane highway. it serves as a major transportation corridor Since Governor Richardson Sen. John Pinto shades the Governor for our state into Arizona and Colorado.” took office, the Department of “The Department of Transportation is from the sun. Transportation has completed committed to improving and maintaining or has broken ground on five our roads so that all those traveling through New Mexico projects on U.S. 491, worth an estimated $72.1 million. have a safe route they can rely on,” Transportation Secretary
overnor portation and
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Study
Governor Bill Richardson and Senator Tom Udall Announce Plans to Study High-Speed Rail Linking New Mexico, Colorado and Texas
“Today, you cannot get from Albuquerque to Denver by rail without changing trains in Los Angeles or Chicago and our regional railways run from East to West, with no North-South connections. This study will lay the groundwork to make a major improvement to public transportation in the Southwest and bring new opportunities for tourism and business growth in New Mexico.”
HigH-speed rail corridor between El Paso and Denver running through New Mexico. Congress has authorized up to eleven high-speed corridors across the United States Currently only 10 corridors have been designated. The three-state partnership is seeking the 11th designation and will be applying for federal funds to conduct a viability study. "The Southwest should not be left out “High-speed rail is the as President Obama future of our country and seeks to build high is going to be a major speed rail networks boost to the economic across the nation," vitality of the cities and said Senator Tom Udall, a member of states along its routes. the Commerce, SciWith this designation, ence and TransporNew Mexico will be tation Committee. in better position to "Today, you cannot meet the evolving get from Albuquereconomic, workforce, and que to Denver by transportation demands rail without changing trains in Los Anof the 21st Century.” geles or Chicago and our regional railways run from East to West, with no North-South connections. This study will lay the groundwork to make a major improvement to public transportation in the Southwest and bring new opportunities for tourism and business growth in New Mexico." “The overwhelming success of the New Mexico Rail Runner is proof of the demand for more modern, efficient and
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overnor bill ricHardson and senator tom udall announced tHat new mexico is partnering witH colorado and texas to take tHe initial steps in developing a
environmentally friendly transportation options,” Governor Bill Richardson said. “High-speed rail is the future of our country and is going to be a major boost to the economic vitality of the cities and states along its routes. With this designation, New Mexico will be in better position to meet the evolving economic, workforce and transportation demands of the 21st Century.” Earlier this year, President Barack Obama launched an aggressive effort to develop a national network of high-speed passenger rail lines. The president unveiled a strategic plan identifying $8 billion in federal stimulus funds and a separate five-year, $5 billion investment as a down payment to jumpstart the nation's high-speed rail lines. “We are excited to partner with our Western neighbors on this exciting opportunity. High-speed rail has long been a conversation in Colorado, and this designation would provide the funding needed to further examine its feasibility,” Colorado Governor Bill Ritter said. “There is a great deal of movement of people, goods and services along the Front Range and the entire Colorado-Texas-New Mexico corridor, and it is high time Congress designate a Western corridor. This designation would connect our communities, increase economic opportunities, create jobs and lead Colorado’s transportation infrastructure forward.” "Improving and expanding our transportation infrastructure is vitally important in a state that grows by more than 1,000 people each day," Texas Governor Rick Perry said. "As we look for more efficient ways to keep Texans moving, highspeed rail is an important option, which is why I am supportive of this and other high-speed rail projects across Texas." New Mexico, Colorado and Texas could receive up to $5 million from the Federal Railroad Administration under the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 to study the viability of the El Paso to Denver High-Speed Rail Corridor. The three states submited the joint pre-application for funds Friday, July 10th
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Doing Business
NMDOT Encourages Summer Travelers to Use 511
State sees dramatic increase in call volume in first year
s the summer driving season kicks into gear, Transportation Secretary Gary L.J. Girón is reminding motorists to take advantage of the state’s 511 system. Since January 2008, the state has had nearly 700,000 calls to the road advisory hotline. Call volume began to significantly increase after July 10, 2008, when the state transitioned to the new system. Of those 700,000 calls approximately 471,000 were under the 511 system. “For the first time, the 511 service puts choice in the hands of the motorist, who now has accurate, real-time information about roadway and weather conditions for use in making travel plans,” said Transportation Secretary Girón. “In this first year of service, 511 has been a great success. It is easy to use and easy to remember and provides a quick and convenient way for motorists to get their travel information before they make their plans or even while they are on the road.” The 511 system has proven to be a valuable tool, especially in the winter months. In December 2008, the system took in 201,669 calls. And this past March when additional winter weather rolled into New Mexico 92,445 calls came in. Through 511 New Mexico commuters are given instant access to weather-related road conditions, construction and congestions information throughout the state and can be linked in with road information for surrounding states such as Arizona, Colorado, Texas and Oklahoma. In addition, motorists can now sign up for automatic e-mail and text message updates or watch live video feed of traffic along Interstates 25 and 40 via www.nmroads.com that is directly linked to the 511 hotline. New Mexico is one of 47 states to launch a 5-11 service, following the Federal Communications Commission’s directive in July 2000 to officially designate 5-1-1 as a nationwide number for travel information. The 5-1-1 service, which is free, is available to local motorists and interstate travelers, on traditional landline telephones. well as through cell phones. Information provided on 5-1-1 is mirrored through the NMDOT traveler-information Web site, www.nmroads.com.
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Commission Approves More Than $26 Million to Improve City and County Roads
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he New Mexico State Transportation Commission on Thursday, June 18, approved more than $26 million in Local Government Road Fund to improve city and county roads, school bus routes and public school parking lots across the state. “This commission is committed to building strong relationships with local and tribal governments and helping them improve their transportation infrastructure,” Transportation Commission Chairman and District 2 Commissioner Johnny Cope said at the Commission Meeting. “We cannot overlook the fact that these statewide improvements will enhance safety on our city and county roads, in addition to making our children’s trip to school safer.” “I am pleased that we were able to identify so many projects throughout the state,” said Transportation Secretary Gary L. J. Girón. “Through this fund, several pressing transportation infrastructure needs will be addressed, and in the end, the roadwork will have a positive impact throughout each community, easing traffic and enhancing travel for motorists.” Included in this funding is more than $5 million worth of school district and school bus route improvements throughout the state. In addition, District One will receive more than $4.6 million for improvements including nearly $650,000 worth of improvements in Dona Ana, Grant, Luna, Sierra and Socorro counties; and about $300,000 to rehabilitate Amador Avenue from Archuleta Street to Motel Boulevard in Las Cruces. District Two will receive about $5.5 million for improvements
including nearly $850,000 worth of improvements in Chaves, Curry, DeBaca, Eddy, Lea, Lincoln, Otero and Roosevelt counties; and more than $466,000 to reconstruct Fast Bender and Jefferson Street in Hobbs. District Three will see about $4.3 million including approximately $444,000 worth of improvements in Bernalillo, Sandoval and Valencia counties, in addition to more than $200,000 for the planning and engineering of Channel Road from Osuna Road to Alameda Boulevard in Albuquerque and about $230,000 to upgrade the fiber optic interconnect on Southern and Unser boulevards in Rio Rancho. In District Four, about $4.3 million was approved including approximately $575,000 for improvements in Harding, Union, San Miguel, Guadalupe, Colfax, Mora and Quay counties; and $750,000 for the second phase of reconstruction and drainage improvements along the Santa Fe Trail from Grant Avenue to N.M. 72. District Five will receive about $4.1 million including more than $490,000 for improvements in Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, San Juan, Santa Fe, Taos and Torrance counties; and about $400,000 for the reconstruction of Paseo Pomiente from Main Street to Heritage Road in Moriarty and the design, reconstruction and drainage improvements on South Kiowa Road in Questa. In District Six approximately $3.3 million was approved including about $403,000 for improvements in Cibola, McKinley and Catron counties; and about $535,000 for the design and reconstruction of Main Street; at the intersection of N.M. 12 and N.M. 435, and Apache Street in the Village of Reserve. The Local Government Road Fund was established to help local governments and school districts across New Mexico. As a condition of receiving these funds, local governments and school districts are required to match 25 percent of the state money.
Doing Business
NMDOT Opens Two Emergency Services Heliports
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ransportation Secretary Gary L. J. Girón announced that the Department’s Aviation Division has opened two emergency services heliports in rural New Mexico. The Mosquero and Red River heliports opened earlier this month to serve rural areas of the state where medical services are limited. “Both heliports are located three or more hours away from the University of New Mexico Hospital, the state’s only level one trauma center, and having access to these facilities can be the deciding factor in life-or-death circumstances,” said Transportation Secretary Gary L.J. Girón. “In emergency situations, these two heliports will play a vital role in saving people’s lives.” Both heliports are considered general aviation facilities and are open to the public. The Mosquero Heliport features a 65-footby-65-foot concrete pad and the Red River Heliport features a 55-foot-by-55-foot concrete pad, both are capable of holding up to a 20,000-pound helicopter. The Red River heliport is located in a fenced 1.2 acre parcel and Mosquero is located within a five-acre parcel, both are equipped with parking pads for emergency vehicle access. Two additional heliports are scheduled to be constructed within the next year.
Transportation Department Successfully Integrates Federal Billing System Into SHARE
“This is the last step in our efforts to fully automate the federal reimbursement billings in SHARE”
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tate Transportation Secretary Gary L.J. Girón announced that the Department successfully integrated
the necessary software upgrades into SHARE. These changes will automate reimbursements on federal-aid construction and maintenance projects. The implementation effort took place over the weekend and was successful. The implementation was a collaborative effort between the Department, DFA and the Department of Information Technology. “This is the last step in our efforts to fully automate the federal reimbursement billings in SHARE,” Secretary Girón said. “We had successfully demonstrated the proposed system changes two weeks ago and obtained the approval to implement from the Federal Highway Administration. With these system changes in place, we expect
to be processing our first federal reimbursement utilizing the changes this week.” “I would like to thank the Department of Finance Administration and the Department of Information Technology for their continued support in this endeavor. We couldn’t have accomplished this goal without their help,” Secretary Girón said. The Department will continue to work with FHWA to address any future improvements to the system in order to stay in compliance with federal billing guidelines. There is a follow-up project scheduled for completion in October that will allow for labor charges to also flow automatically into the federal billing process.
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Putting new Mexico to work.
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Interstate 40/Paseo del Volcan stimulus project in Albuquerque.
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Stimulating our state’s economy
Rail Runner
The New Mexico Rail Runner Express Travels to Raton and Las Vegas
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Three-year anniversary plaque.
Three-Year Anniversary of the New Mexico Rail Runner Express
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tive transportation alternatives.” overnor Bill Richardson, joined by “It’s hard to believe we’ve accomplished State Transportation Deputy Secreso much in three short years,” said Mid tary Max Valerio and Mid-Region Council Region Council of Governments Execuof Governments Executive Director Lawtive Director Lawrence Rael. “It’s been very rence Rael, celebrated the three-year anencouraging to watch the region ‘get conniversary of the New Mexico Rail Runner nected’ each time we add a new Rail RunExpress at the Downtown Alvarado Transit ner station, or double our service area by Station. opening the corridor to Santa Fe. This truly “I’m proud to say that the Rail Runner is the people’s train.” has been a huge success in its first three Governor Richardson also announced years of operation and has become a symthe opening date of the N.M. 599 Station bol of pride for New Mexico,” Governor that will begin servicing southern Santa Fe Richardson said. “I promised to provide and Santa Fe County residents on August an efficient and affordable commuter train 1. In addition, construction will soon besystem that provides a safe transportation gin on the new Lobo Station that will be alternative to our residents while boosting located near Avenida Cesar Chavez. The our economic growth and we’ve accomstation is scheduled to be up and running plished that and more.” by the first home Lobo Football game on “Since we began service in 2006, riderSeptember 12. ship on the train has grown exponentially,” The Rail Runner, Lawerence Rael & Governor Bill said Deputy Secretary which has become Richardson shake on three-years of the fastest start-up of Max Valerio. “It is exsuccessful Rail Runner service. commuter rail service citing for us at the Dein the country durpartment of Transportation to see more and ing the past 20 years, currently carries about more New Mexicans 4,700 commuters a embrace Rail Runday along the 100ner service. It is a true mile corridor between representation of our the City of Belen and multimodal vision— the City of Santa Fe. providing our citizens with clean, cost-effec-
he New Mexico Rail Runner Express made a special trip north for open house events in the cities of Raton and Las Vegas. Members of the public invited to climb aboard the Rail Runner and check out the train first-hand. “It’s exciting to see that the enthusiasm for the Rail Runner is spreading and it reinforces my belief that one day it will be the centerpiece for regional transportation, from El Paso to Albuquerque to Denver,” said New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. “The Rail Runner gives commuters in Central New Mexico a new choice—a safe, environmentally friendly, and affordable alternative to highways and gridlock. The residents of the North deserve these benefits as well.” “With the new casino and racetrack project, Raton is really at a point to take tourism and economic development to the next level,” says Raton Mayor Joe Apache. “Having the Rail Runner here to let citizens see what kind of transportation system is possible in the future is great for us.” “During the last Legislative Session, the City of Las Vegas was looking at expanding the Rail Runner north,” said Las Vegas Mayor Tony E. Marquez. “I fully support Governor Richardson’s efforts and am very happy the Governor is bringing the train up here so that Las Vegas residents can see for themselves how something like the Rail Runner could vastly improve transportation in the future.”
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Rail Runner
A view from the pedestrian walk way looking out on I/25.
Governor Bill Richardson Officially Opens N.M. 599 Rail Runner Station and Announces New Sunday Service
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bill ricHardson celebrated tHe rail runner station, located at N.M. 599 and Interstate 25 and also announced new Sunday train service from Belen to Santa Fe. “I am pleased to announce the opening of the 11th Rail Runner Station and that we are launching service on Sundays—proving what a great success the New Mexico Rail Runner has been,” said Governor Richardson. “Ridership has steadily increased since train service began three years ago and we will continue to expand Rail Runner service to meet the needs of New Mexicans.” The new rail station, located on the south side of Santa Fe, opened to the public on Saturday, August 1st. This is the third station to open in Santa Fe County. The unique design of the station includes a walkway that goes over northbound traffic and connects to a platform in the median of I-25 at N.M. 599. “This station will provide a connection for Santa Fe County as well as serving as the new transportation hub for the north,” said Transportation Secretary Gary Girón. “With the institution of our new Park and Ride shuttle and other transit service, more people will be able to travel with ease and convenience.” The Governor also announced today that the Rail Runner will begin running on Sundays. Train service on Sundays will begin by
overnor opening of tHe newest
Labor Day weekend and will offer a morning, afternoon and evening train with stops between Belen and Santa Fe. “More and more people are utilizing the Rail Runner for work, play or an easy way to get to the airport and I am confident that adding Sunday service – and running the train seven days a week will be a hit,” said Governor Richardson. “The Rail Runner is alternative transportation that will serve New Mexico well into the future,” said Mid-Region Council of Governments Executive Director Lawrence Rael. “The Santa Fe County/N.M. 599 Station was designed to accommodate growth in the area and this station is well-positioned to support economic development of New Mexico—especially in the City of Santa Fe and Santa Fe County.” There is also a shuttle service from the N.M. 599 station that stops at Rancho Viejo, New Mexican Plaza, Jaguar Drive, Camino Entrada and the Santa Fe Place Mall. In addition, Park and Ride service to Espanola, Los Alamos, Pojoaque and Las Vegas will continue to be provided with a direct link to Los Alamos from the Station. More details on Sunday service will be released in the coming weeks. A complete Rail Runner schedule is available online at www. nmrailrunner.com.
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Rail Runner
New Rail Runner Train Schedules Ready to go into Effect
See schedules on page 16.
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he New Mexico Rail Runner Express opened the Santa Fe County/NM 599 Station on Saturday, August 1st. In order to accommodate this station, new weekday and Saturday schedules are effective August 1st. Rail Runner passengers are encouraged to throw out their old schedules and print the new ones now. “We want to give people an opportunity to adjust their routines before the schedule changes”, says Lawrence Rael, Executive Director of the Mid-Region Council of Governments. In most cases, the schedule changes will be minor, but if you’re a commuter, you usually have a pretty tight routine in the morning, so hopefully getting the schedule out in advance will give them time to prepare”. The New Mexico Rail Runner Express has carried more than two-million passengers in the three years since it began service. The Rail Runner holds the record for being the fastest start-up of a commuter train service in the nation
Los Ranchos Rail Runner Station parking lot.
NM Rail Runner Express Creates Overflow Parking Lot to Ease Congestion at Los Ranchos/Journal Center Station
Goal is to clear El Pueblo of parked cars and create better traffic flow near station
“In most cases, the schedule changes will be minor, but if you’re a commuter, you usually have a pretty tight routine in the morning, so hopefully getting the schedule out in advance will give them time to prepare.”
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N.M. 599 Rail Runner Station.
his week, crews have begun construction on an overflow Rail Runner parking lot at the Los Ranchos/Journal Center Rail Runner Station in the north valley. The overflow lot, which is directly across the street from the station, will add another 130 parking spaces. “This is a critical station for the Rail Runner,” said Lawrence Rael, Executive Director for the Mid-Region Council of Governments. “The number of vehicles that park here on a daily basis is way over what we had originally planned. By adding this overflow lot, we can ensure our riders that we are responding to the increased demands, while easing congestion and traffic flow in the area.” The new overflow area sits on an acre of land which the New Mexico Rail Runner Express is leasing from nearby nursery “Plant World.” It will be fenced off and graveled, and will contain parking bumpers, some lighting, and a camera to monitor activity in the lot. “This is one of the projects I really wanted to see completed,” said Bernalillo County Commissioner Michael C. Wiener, District 4. “The parking here has created an overwhelming interest from the residents of my district who live in the north valley near this station, so I am very pleased to see the Rail Runner addressing the safety and congestion issues on El Pueblo.” The Los Ranchos/Journal Center station is the number one station for originating train boardings, meaning more people board the train at this station in the morning than at any other station in the system. The new overflow Rail Runner parking lot is due to be completed in mid-August.
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Mescalero Apache Volunteers Help Deter Graffiti
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Gregory Dugay, 39, was presented a certificate for a new Giant FCR-3 road bicycle courtesy of The Kickstand bicycle shop in Albuquerque.
New Mexico Department of Transportation Announces Winner of Bicycle Contest and Survey
“The Department strives to be a leader in setting the standard for safe and economical multimodal transportation systems, Bicycling plays a major role in our multimodal vision and we strongly advocate and encourage New Mexicans to ride their bikes for transportation”
he New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) with the assistance of local volunteers from the Mescalero Apache Tribe painted wall barriers and two pedestrian overpass bridges on U.S. 70 in Mescalero. The painting process included the cleaning and removing of old paint and repainting with artistic murals. Those involved in painting included NMDOT Maintenance personnel, community volunteers, and students from Mescalero High. Maintenance crew members painted the base coat, and the volunteers painted the murals. The painting will improve aesthetics and deter graffiti. “These overpasses have been subject to ongoing graffiti tags costing the Department thousands to remove annually,” said Dan Smolik, Tularosa Maintenance Patrol Supervisor. “The DOT uses approximately 100 gallons of paint a year to paint over graffiti.” The Department of Transportation and the Mescalero Tribe Representatives are hopeful the murals to be painted by local volunteers will deter graffiti in the future.
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he New Mexico Department of Transportation announced the winner of a recent survey that would help the Department plan for improved bicycle facilities throughout the state. The survey was combined with a contest that would award one lucky participant with a brand new bike. “The Department strives to be a leader in setting the standard for safe and economical multimodal transportation systems,” said Transportation Secretary Gary L. J. Girón. “Bicycling plays a major role in our multimodal vision and we strongly advocate and encourage New Mexicans to ride their bikes for transportation.” The survey conducted over a 25-day period resulted in 659 respondents who answered questions about their bicycling habits in an effort to help the Department determine how to better accommodate bicyclists in future transportation projects. Gregory Dugay, 39, of Albuquerque was presented a certificate for a new Giant FCR-3 road bicycle courtesy of The Kickstand bicycle shop in Albuquerque. “I think it’s great that NMDOT is making biking more a part of our lives,” said Dugay, a massage therapist and health and wellness practitioner. “If every city ran on buses and bikes, it would make things safe, cleaner, people could get around faster and they would save money.” Dugay said he uses his bike to get around Albuquerque almost on a daily basis and that the new bike couldn’t have come at a better time. “It’s good timing,” he said. “My current bike just broke down.” The Department is in the process of compiling the results of the survey and will release the information at a later date.
A Mescalero Apache Indian paints over unwanted graffiti.
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DWI
San Juan County Law Enforcement Agencies Named Winner of Governor’s Fourth Annual DrunkBuster Awards
San Juan County sees 36 percent reduction in DWI fatalities by
Blood Drive at D5
istrict Five of the New Mexico Department of Transportation in coordination with United Blood Services held a blood drive in early July. The blood drive took place at the Santa Fe campus between 9 am and 1 pm. During the drive, 24 volunteers visited the UBS blood mobile to graciously donate their blood. District Five was committed to providing Santa Fe’s Christus St. Vincent’s Hospital 19 units of blood and ended up giving a total of 24 units. “It was nice to see people come out to volunteer without any hesitation,” Karyn Lujan, PIO for District Five said. “I thought there would be gaps between donors but the blood mobile was packed the entire time.” District Five NMDOT is scheduled to host another blood drive in the Espanola or Alcalde areas in early September. As an added bonus to donors, United Blood Services, will be raffling off chances to win a Harley Davidson Motorcycle. For more information, contact Karyn Lujan at (505) 827-9567.
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aw enforcement agencies in San Juan County were honored by DWI Czar Rachel O’Connor and state officials for their efforts in the battle against drunken driving in New Mexico. The New Mexico State Police, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office and the Farmington Police Department were presented with the Governor’s DrunkBuster Award for high performance in reducing DWI in 2008. San Juan County saw a 36 “This significant drop percent drop in alcohol-rereflects the hard work lated fatalities in 2008, with by these agencies and a total of 16 alcohol-related deaths last year, down from their commitment to 25 in 2007. Along with the helping reduce drunk- significant drop, local law en driving tragedies.” enforcement stepped up their efforts and made more than 1,700 DWI arrests last year in San Juan County. “This significant drop reflects the hard work by these agencies and their commitment to helping reduce drunken driving tragedies,” said DWI Czar Rachel O’Connor. “We are seeing reduced fatalities in San Juan County in 2009 as well.” Governor Richardson has implemented a number of new initiatives to combat drunken driving in New Mexico. Specifically in 2008, the governor increased funding for the Farmington Police Department, allowing them to hire additional full-time law enforcement officers and a court monitor, contracted by MADD, was approved to work full-time with the courts to ensure San Juan County stay in compliance with existing DWI laws. Other drunken driving initiatives specifically targeted to this region include a billboard and print media campaign featuring Native American celebrities with the simple message of, “I care if you are in a drunken driving crash.” In addition, Farmington was the first city in the state to revoke liquor licenses under the state’s new “Three Strikes Regulation, which calls for the revocation of licenses for establishments found guilty for three of more violations of sales to minors or intoxicated persons. Two Farmington bars have since closed after violating the “Three Strikes” law. “Our innovative programs and strong public awareness campaign have been instrumental in reducing DWI in New Mexico,” said Transportation Secretary Gary Girón.
Que Pasa Mail
My husband and I just arrived home in Arizona from a trip across country to Indiana in a RV. We want to congratulate you on the amount of work that is being done on Interstate 40. We were very impressed with the way that the work is being done. It is a real shame that other states aren’t following your lead. Interstate 40 is in terible shape across the rest of the states that we traveled through. Again, keep up the good work. Mrs. Linda Morris Aaron Peinado and Jeff Montoya - I cannot thank you enough for all the help and the extra effort you were willing to give to remove the tar from my wheel. My 15 year old son qualified for nationals in downhill mountainbike racing. We were on our way to Colorado and I was finishing errands around town when I picked up that dinner plate-size piece of tar on my tire that would not come off. It was suggested that the Department of Transportation might have tools or solvents to remove it. Both of you took the time from your busy day to stop and put the effort into helping me out and get me on my way. Thank you, for an effort that was beyond the call of duty. Please pass this on to your supervisors as I think employees who go out of their way to help a motorist in need deserve the extra credit. Tom Buscher Santa Fe,NM
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Employees of the Month
Employee Laura Lopez, General Office, Legal Secretary Anyone who works with Laura would readily note her invaluable contributions to the important work of the Office of General Counsel and her customer service to the attorneys, fellow staff and steady flow of visitors to this office. Because of the hiring freeze Laura is currently doing the work of three secretaries. Besides handling the work of three, she also backs up the reception desk greeting visitors and answering the telephone. Despite the increased workload Laura tackles each and every assignment with her usual exemplary competence, professionalism, speed, and perhaps most important, unfailing good cheer.
Supervisor Robert Archuleta,General Office, Traffic Safety Bureau Staff Manager During the transitional time at the Traffic Safety Bureau, with the departure of Michael Sandoval, Robert Archuleta has shown excellent professionalism and leadership skills in picking up where Michael left off. The Traffic Safety Bureau works with very specific deadlines from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration and Robert has made sure that these deadlines have been met. Robert did not let the ball drop during this time; he took it upon himself to make sure that everything required was taken care of. Now that Dave Harris has been named acting director, Robert has also done an excellent job in acclimating Dave and taking on additional responsibilities in the Traffic Safety Division.
Supervisor Joe Urban, District Two, Heavy Maintenance Staff Manager Joe Urban has been with District Two since October 1988. He was promoted to heavy maintenance staff manager three years ago. As the head of the heavy maintenance crew he supervises a crew of nine. He is responsible for planning, organizing and overseeing all heavy maintenance operations assigned to him. He recently was assigned to the U.S. 380 shoulder widening project in Roswell. He has a great work ethic, personality, and is a dedicated employee. He also inspects projects, makes recommendations and schedules work assignments.
Employee Connie Fields, District Two, Lab Inspector, Tester, & Sorter Connie Fields has been with District Two since February 1990. Connie maintains and administers the District Two lab calibration/verification scheduling, recording information in accordance with AASHTO. After a state material bureau audit they found the program to be well maintained. She also provides administrative support, maintains the equipment inventory and acts as the liaison with construction crews. Recently Connie was recognized for her effort on behalf of the State Personnel Office Alternative Dispute Program.
Section of the Quarter, General Office, Plans, Specifications & Estimates, James Mexia,Yolanda Roybal, Jeri Romero, Bert Baca, Carlos Castaneda, Edward Escudero, Anthony Garcia, Sally Gomez, Jeffrey Martinez, Russell Rodke, Ron Trujillo, Bob Bachicha, Daniel Bustamante, Christine Griego, Anna Gurule, Titus Ispirescu and Dean Serna The 2009 year became extremely challenging for the Department with the passing of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA). The ARRA required NMDOT to obligate at least $88.4 million by June 30. The Department had a (5) month window to advertise projects to meet this goal. The NMDOT exceeded this goal and advertised approximately $135 million before the deadline.
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Rail Runner Schedules
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