Environmental Impact Statement: Bernalillo and Sandoval Counties, NM

Topics:  Interstate Highway System

Reuben S. Thomas
Federal Highway Administration
15 July 1994

[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 135 (Friday, July 15, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-17185]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: July 15, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration

 

Environmental Impact Statement: Bernalillo and Sandoval Counties, 
NM

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that an 
environmental impact statement will be prepared for a proposed 
transportation project in Bernalillo and Sandoval Counties, New Mexico.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Reuben S. Thomas, Division 
Administrator, Federal Highway Administration, 604 W. San Mateo, Santa 
Fe, NM 87505, Telephone: (505) 820-2022.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the New Mexico 
State Highway and Transportation Department, will prepare an 
environmental impact statement (EIS) on a proposal to construct an 
access controlled transportation facility, known as Paseo del Volcan, 
on a new alignment on the west mesa of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Paseo 
del Volcan is included in the Long Range Major Street Plan for the 
Albuquerque urban Area and is intended to provide a connector between 
Interstate 40 (I-40) west of the urban area and Interstate 25 (I-25) 
north of the urban area. This project would preserve the investment and 
utility of the existing infrastructure, operations and transportation 
service in the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Of particular importance 
is the potential benefit to the Interstate system passing through the 
City of Albuquerque. The EIS will allow for right of way preservation 
and may also provide limited phased constructed based on current needs. 
Paseo del Volcan would begin at a new or improved interchange on I-40 
west of Albuquerque, proceed north and then west to provide a connector 
with I-25 north of Albuquerque. The I-25 connection will be via a new 
or improved interchange on I-25 east of Bernalillo, or via NM 44 with a 
new or improved interchange west of Bernalillo. The total distance is 
approximately 35 miles (56.3 km). One option includes a new bridge 
across the Rio Grande near Bernalillo, New Mexico. Interchanges are 
envisioned at defined major streets with at least one mile intervals 
between access points. New or improved interchanges at I-40, I-25 and 
NM 44 are also under consideration.
    Options under consideration include (1) taking no action; (2) 
construction of an access controlled facility with appropriate 
consideration of provisions of pedestrian, equestrian and bicycle 
facilities and for demand reduction strategies and alternative 
transportation modes such as transit, light rail and high occupancy 
vehicle accommodations. The build alternates also will include 
variations in alignment location and termini. It is anticipated that 
the facility would be constructed in phases with the termini and 
configuration based on current needs.
    Informal scoping for the proposal began in 1991. Comments were 
solicited from appropriate Native American groups, Federal, state and 
local agencies and from private organizations and citizens. Two scoping 
open houses and three community open houses have been held.
    A major investment study scoping meeting was held to comply with 
recently promulgated metropolitan transportation planning regulations.
    The draft EIS will be made available for Native American, public 
and agency review and comment. A public hearing will be advertized and 
held after document distribution and review. To ensure that the full 
range of issues related to this proposed action are addressed and all 
significant issues and impacts identified, comments and suggestions are 
invited from all interested parties. Comments on questions concerning 
this proposed action and the EIS should be directed to the FHWA at the 
address provided above.

    (Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, 
Highway Planning and Construction. The regulations implementing 
Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental consultation on 
Federal programs and activities apply to this program.)

    Issued on June 30, 1994.
Reuben S. Thomas,
Division Administrator, Santa Fe, NM.
[FR Doc. 94-17185 Filed 7-14-94; 8:45 am]
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