Groundbreaking for Belen, N.M., pedestrian overpass
Written by jrood
New Mexico Transportation Secretary Gary L. J. Girón was joined by state and local officials as they broke ground on the Reinken Avenue project in Belen. The $2.4-million project is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and will include building a pedestrian overpass at the Belen Rail Runner Station. It is expected to be complete by this November.
"This project will provide
safe and easy access into the heart of Belen," said Transportation Secretary
Girón. "We are grateful for the funds provided through the Recovery Act to
complete this project and I anticipate that the construction of the new bridge
will encourage Rail Runner riders to explore more of the city and spawn
additional economic development in Belen."
"This pedestrian overpass
is both functional and esthetically pleasing," said Dewey Cave, Interim
Executive Director, Mid-Region Council of Governments. "This structure will
serve as a new gateway to the city, letting arriving passengers know as soon as
they get off the train that they have a connection to downtown."
Belen Mayor Rudy Jaramillo
said, "The pedestrian bridge is a blessing for the City and could not have come
at a more needed time for us and for the economics of the area. This bridge will
allow people to come to Belen on the Rail Runner and access our downtown more
easily and safely. We are thrilled it has been designed to give the city a
monument while serving a genuine need and now with the swallows choosing the
bridge to be their home we now understand just what a great blessing it is and
will continue to be for all who visit and live here."
In April, the Rio Metro
Regional Transit District selected New Mexico-based Meridian Contracting as the
contractor for the job, with New Mexico Department of Transportation District
Three staff overseeing the project.
A ramp and stairs will lead
directly from the Rail Runner station to the overpass, allowing pedestrians and
cyclists to cross Reinken Avenue and access First or Second Street. The walkway
will be lighted and be completely ADA accessible. Its design includes
architectural features that reflect Belen’s history such as the nearby historic
Harvey House, as well as some of the city’s more recent enhancements such as
the Rail Runner station, the Becker Street streetscape improvements and the
Gazebo by City Hall.
