ROAD WARRIOR
NMDOT is working on Interstate 40 bridge, east of ABQ
Slight drop in traffic fatalities reported in March, according to data from NMDOT and University of New Mexico
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The New Mexico Department of Transportation is reminding motorists that it will be doing bridge work on Interstate 40, near Carnuel, for the next few weeks.
The project started on Saturday and will continue every weekend through May 3.
During the work, there will be a lane closure in each direction, NMDOT District 3 spokesperson Kim Gallegos said in a Thursday news release.
鈥淢otorists should expect lane closures and possible delays in both directions,鈥� she said. 鈥淧lease use caution, reduce speed in the work zone, and allow extra travel time.鈥�
TRAFFIC FATALITIES: There were 35 traffic fatalities reported across New Mexico in March, according to data from the University of New Mexico and New Mexico Department of Transportation.
This marks a slight decrease from February, 36.
The county with the most traffic fatalities last month was Bernalillo County with eight, which is up by two from February. Second on the list was Lea County with three traffic fatalities.
CANDLELIGHT VIGIL: Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) will host a from 6-8 p.m. on April 23 at the New Mexico Memorial Park Amphitheater, 1100 Louisiana SE.
The vigil is part of , which runs from April 19-25.
鈥淭his year鈥檚 National Crime Victims鈥� Rights Week theme, 鈥楲isten. Act. Advocate.,鈥� serves as a powerful national call to action, emphasizing that no victim should have to face their journey alone,鈥� a MADD New Mexico news release states. 鈥淢ADD New Mexico is urging the public to stand alongside victims and survivors not only in words, but through meaningful advocacy.鈥�
WATERLINE WORK: People traveling on Gatewood Avenue between Bridge Boulevard and 5 Points Road SW can expect some inconveniences over the next several weeks.
On March 30, crews began installing storm systems and waterlines, which has resulted in delays and driveway restrictions (from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Access to properties will be maintained, with advance notice if water is affected, .
The project is expected to be completed in June.
ROUNDABOUT REACTION: Reader Robert Richards said he was disappointed with some of Samuel Garcia鈥檚 thoughts about a proposed roundabout at the intersection of N.M. 333 and N.M. 217.
鈥淗is concerns, rightfully, seem to be focused on driver frustration and anxiety and a likelihood of more accidents,鈥� Richards said. 鈥淗owever, my experience with roundabouts, dating from the late 1960s, is that they facilitate the flow of traffic, thereby calming drivers. That reduces driver anxiety and the frequency of accidents. Additionally, accidents that do occur tend to be fairly low-speed, side-to-side collisions, rather than violent 鈥楾-bone鈥� collisions.
鈥淎 key to all that, however, is that drivers need to know how to navigate roundabouts, so that all users know what to expect from other drivers. While that needed information would take about a minute to convey, I feel that the state or local municipalities need to do a better job of that, as roundabouts become more common.鈥�
DON鈥橳 TEXT AND DRIVE: NMDOT is reminding people to not text and drive, especially in work zones.
鈥淪pringtime is when road projects kick back into high gear across the state and our crews and your fellow travelers need you to drive safely,鈥� according to a . 鈥淵ou should always keep your eyes on the road, but this is exceptionally important in work zones.鈥�
Gregory R.C. Hasman is a general assignment reporter and the Road Warrior. He can be reached at ghasman@abqjournal.com or 505-823-3820.
