Road Warrior: Plan ahead for Holy Week pilgrimage to Chimayó
Apr. 14—Happy Monday.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation has released guidelines for the upcoming trek to El Santuario de Chimayó.
Motorists should anticipate delays on routes including U.S. 84 and U.S. 285, N.M. 503, Juan Medina Road leading to Chimayó and N.M. 76 from Española to Chimayo, according to NMDOT.
"Careful planning is crucial for those intending to participate," the news release states. "With traffic congestion in mind, consider developing a pre-planned route and establishing check-in locations, and pre-arranged pick-up and drop-off points. Remember that cellphone service may be limited depending on your wireless carrier."
LIGHT ADJUSTMENT: Reader Bill Blackler said the traffic light timing at Paseo del Norte and Unser needs to be fixed.
On a recent late afternoon, he said, southbound traffic was backed up to Blue Feather while northbound traffic was backed up to Avenida de Jaimito.
"There was virtually no backup on eastbound Paseo and very little traffic westbound," Blackler said. "The traffic situation has been similar every time I travel on Unser at that time of day."
CALL FOR PROJECTS: The New Mexico Federal Lands Access Program is accepting applications.
Any state, county, local government or tribe that owns or maintains a public transportation facility providing access to federal lands is eligible for funding.
The deadline for submissions is June 20.
The Federal Highway Administration's Central Federal Lands Highway Division is hosting informational webinars from 1-3 p.m. April 22 and 23. For an invite to the webinar, email Andrew.Valdez@dot.gov.
OLD HIGHWAY 44 BRIDGE: There is a new bridge along N.M. 44 in Bernalillo.
The project, which consisted of replacing the bridge and metal railing, began in October and was completed a couple of weeks ago, Bernalillo Public Works Director Troy Martinez said.
The work cost about $2.56 million, according to the town.
Highway 44 once ran from Cedar Crest to Bloomfield and later became an extension of U.S. 550 after the highway changed from two to four lanes.
FAVORITE COMMUTES: A Quantrell Volvo survey asked 3,100 people to share their favorite work commutes.
Three New Mexico areas made the list:
Los Alamos to Santa Fe (N.M. 502 and U.S. 84): "This stunning mountain commute takes drivers through the rugged landscapes of northern New Mexico, with red rock cliffs and expansive desert views lining the route," according to the survey. "As commuters descend toward Santa Fe, they're greeted by the city's iconic adobe-style architecture and artistic charm."
Rio Rancho to Albuquerque (N.M. 528 and I-25): The drives offer "striking views of the Sandia Mountains, with open desert terrain stretching toward the horizon," the survey states. "The approach into Albuquerque is particularly beautiful at sunrise, when the city's skyline is bathed in golden light against the backdrop of towering peaks."
Taos to Española (N.M. 68): "Drivers pass through high desert landscapes, scenic river valleys and historic pueblos, making the journey feel more like an adventure than a routine drive," according to the survey.
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