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County willing to aid I-25/PDN makeover

KRQE TV

Elizabeth Alvarez

Updated: Jan 25, 2012 12:40 PM

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) — The overhaul of the Interstate 25-Paseo del Norte interchange took a small step forward Tuesday when Bernalillo County commissioners voted to use $5 million of this year's bond package on the makeover.

Voters still must approve the overall bond issues during the general election in November.

Commissioner Michelle Lujan Grisham had proposed putting $15 million toward the project, but the rest of the commission wouldn't go for that.

The first phase of the rebuilding of the interchange is estimated to cost $93 million and would include a nonstop flyover from the northbound I-25 off-ramp to westbound Paseo del Norte NE eliminating a major source of congestion during the afternoon commute.

Paseo del Norte is one of Albuquerque's busiest river crossings linking eastern jobs, businesses and residential areas with the West Side and Rio Rancho.

Meanwhile the Albuquerque Journal reported Wednesday that Gov. Susana Martinez will ask the current session of the Legislature for $30 million toward the project.

The city of Albuquerque has already set aside money for a $50 million bond issue to provide matching funds for the work and has asked the Legislature for $46.5 million as the state match.

A complete rebuild of the interchange and approaches has been estimated by the state Department of Transportation to cost in the area of $250 million.
 

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