ABOUT
There has long been concern about safety due to traffic speeding through the four-way stop signs at the intersection at 98th Street and Gibson Boulevard and motorists blowing through the entire intersection without stopping.
Also, there can be significant backups during morning and afternoon rush hours because traffic is not being provided with set times to proceed through the intersection.
In 2021 in consultation with Councilor Klarissa J. Peña, the design team created a public information flyer outlining three (3) options for the construction of intersection improvements. The flyer requested input from 6,000 residents and businesses in the area in 2021.
The City received a total of 102 responses:
68 (67%) in favor of full closure of the intersection during part of the project
18 (18%) preferred a partial closure
4 (4%) requested the intersection remain open
12 (11%) responded to issues unrelated to traffic control for the project
Based on public feedback that preferred the full closure, safety concerns and cost efficiency, the City elected to go forward with the full closure option calling for the closure of the intersection for the majority of the project.
This offers the advantage of saving more than $1.3 million in construction costs, and just as importantly saves about five to six (5-6) months in construction time to minimize the inconvenience to area residents and businesses.
Project Scope
This project includes:
- New traffic signal at the intersection of 98th Street and Gibson Blvd.
- New Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at the Amole Arroyo Trail Crossing
- Intersection improvements
Project Improvements
This project will include the following improvements:
- Additional lighting
- Extended medians
- Pavement reconstruction and restriping
- New sidewalk in the northeast corner to connect to the existing sidewalk at the Amole Arroyo Trail
CONSTRUCTION PHASES
The project will be constructed in four phases. Please note the activities for each phase may overlap or phases may be combined to ensure timely construction.
Crews will close the intersection of 98th Street and Gibson Blvd. for about 6 months (during Phase 1).
Access to Walgreens at the northwest corner of the intersection and the PNM facility in the northeast corner of the intersection will always be maintained. The west access to the Diamond Mesa neighborhood shall always be maintained, except for a brief period during Phase 2. The contractor will coordinate west access closure with Diamond Mesa at least one week in advance.
Pedestrian access through the intersection will be maintained throughout construction, with at least one north-south and one east-west crossing always provided.
During this phase, crews will:
- Place detour signing and close the intersection
- Remove existing curb and gutter, sidewalk, trail and curb ramps - completing removal of one corner before moving on to the next corner
- Install traffic signal infrastructure (conduit, pull boxes, etc.) under the roadway and in the medians
- Install infrastructure for new lighting
- Build curb and gutter, sidewalk trail and curb ramps one corner at a time
- Install loop detectors
- Install lower part of medians
- Reconstruct asphalt pavement to lower level
Traffic will be detoured to:
- Blake Road to Mustang Ridge Road on the west and south
- Barbados Avenue on the east and north
- 86th Street and De Anza Drive on the west and north
Estimated Duration: 6 Months
During this phase, crews will:
Expand intersection closure to full limits of where asphalt is being constructed
Mill (remove and resurface) 98th Street pavement
Place the top layer of asphalt through entire area of pavement reconstruction and project borders
Open roadway to all traffic
Traffic will be detoured to:
- Blake Road to Mustang Ridge Road on the west and south
- Barbados Avenue on the east and north
- 86th Street and De Anza Drive on the west and north
Estimated Duration: 2 Months
Crews will:
Install the remaining signal and lighting equipment
Estimated Duration: 1 Month
Phase 4
Crews will:
Complete permanent striping and lighting
Estimated Duration: 1 Month
CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
RESOURCES
Information about the new Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at the Amole Arroyo Crossing
- A Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) is paired with a pedestrian warning sign
- RRFBs flash with an alternating high frequency when activated to make pedestrians more noticeable to drivers.
- For more information: https://highways.dot.gov/safety/proven-safety-countermeasures/rectangular-rapid-flashing-beacons-rrfb
public meeting Video
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Rudolfo Anaya Elementary School
public meeting powerpoint presentation
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
