RIO RANCHO, N.M. (KRQE) – It was the site of multiple accidents including a deadly crash just two weeks ago. Now, the New Mexico Department of Transportation wants to look to see if a Rio Rancho intersection needs to be changed. “If you don’t take your time and be patient, bad things could happen,” said nearby resident Steven Fisher Sr.
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Concerned neighbors spoke with KRQE News 13 on Thursday about the intersection of Highway 550 and Northwest Loop Road in Rio Rancho. “The speed limit is 70 miles an hour coming up that hill, and I usually wait until it’s completely clear to turn right,” said nearby neighbor Karen Horoschak.
It’s a spot that has seen many crashes, including one just two weeks ago that killed two people. According to the Rio Rancho Police Department, on August 15, a Dodge Challenger with three people inside was traveling east on U.S. 550 when it collided with a Cadillac that was attempting to make a left turn from the Northwest Loop. Two people in the Challenger died and others were taken to the hospital.
Some neighbors said they plan to put together a task force and meet with NMDOT and community leaders about how to make the intersection safer. “There’s a lot of traffic at rush hour. It just seems like something needs to happen. Maybe a stop light,” said another neighbor.
NMDOT sent KRQE this statement:
The NMDOT has heard from the public regarding concerns related to the intersection of US 550 and Northwest Loop. In response to the concerns of our local residents, the NMDOT plans to evaluate the intersection. The evaluation will consist of a variety of factors including traffic volume, speed, intersection sight triangle, crash patterns and type, as well as additional factors identified for evaluation. We want to address the concerns brought forward from area residents.
With the increase in development, both residential and commercial, along the US 550 corridor and surrounding area the NMDOT strives to manage motorist expectations, while working through the challenges of various driver behaviors.
