FHWA Administrator Mendez Joins Governor Richardson at Completion of Albuquerque’s I-40/Paseo del Volcan Interchange |
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Topics: Victor Mendez
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Federal Highway Administration
June 24, 2010
FHWA 18-10
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Contact: Doug Hecox
Tel: 202-366-0660
WASHINGTON – Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez joined Governor Bill Richardson and other state and local officials at the ribbon cutting in Albuquerque today to mark the completion of the final segment of the I-40/Paseo del Volcan Interchange – making it the state’s first highway project completed using money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act).
“The Recovery Act was passed to turn back the worst recession since the Great Depression,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Through the Recovery Act, we’re rebuilding our transportation infrastructure and forging a stronger economic future in New Mexico and all across the United States.”
The ceremony marked the end of a $60 million, four-year improvement project to the state’s busiest interstate and the busiest east-west commercial freight corridor in the American southwest. The estimated 25,000 daily drivers currently served by the newly completed segment is expected to more than double in the next 15 years due to a surge in residential and commercial development west of the interchange.
“Projects like this really improve the quality of life for people living in their communities,” said Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez. “The investment is not only shoring up our infrastructure, it’s also giving time back for people to enjoy with their families and friends.”
The final segment, which was paid for with $14.8 million in Recovery Act funds, allowed work crews to build a new overpass, new off- and on-ramps, and extend the current storm drain system to accommodate current and future development in the area.
Of the $26.6 billion in Recovery Act funding available to states for highway and bridge projects, $252.6 million has been obligated for 92 projects in New Mexico. As of June 11, 77 are under way.