santa fe could see construction of underpass

In an effort to reduce bicycle traffic and potential accidents near a rail crossing in Santa Fe, a study has been commissioned to look at the potential of building an underpass.

As envisioned, the underpass would be built beneath the six-lane St. Michael’s Drive adjacent to the single-track rail crossing.

The Santa Fe City Council has now tentatively approved spending $41,000 to pay for the study, funding that will be combined with another $243,000 coming through the New Mexico Department of Transportation using federal Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality Program monies.

The Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality Program, launched in 1991, has to date provided nearly $23 billion in funding for more than 16,000 such congestion-reducing projects.

The St. Michael’s Drive underpass study funding is expected to receive the final approval of the council on January 29.

City and state officials have long wanted to find an alternative route of travel for both bike-riders and pedestrians at the Mt. Michael’s Drive location, especially after the $6 million construction of a similar underpass three years ago on St. Francis Drive near the Cerrillos Road intersection.
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That earlier project came about after months of design work and public input meetings. 

By Garry Boulard

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