New Mexico Construction Firm to Build Belen Pedestrian Overpass

(Belen, NM – April 23, 2010)- Through a competitive bidding process, the Rio Metro Regional Transit District has selected New Mexico-based Meridian Contracting for the development of a pedestrian overpass linking the Belen New Mexico Rail Runner Station with Downtown Belen. Meridian specializes in heavy/civil, structural and industrial construction. 

 “This pedestrian overpass will eliminate the challenge for Rail Runner passengers to easily access Downtown Belen”, 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”. 

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.

“This project is an important piece of a bigger plan to reenergize Our MainStreet and Down Town businesses in the heart of Belen,” said Mayor Rudy Jaramillo, City of Belen. “Once this crossing is in place, we can begin to look at other projects to develop downtown such as sidewalk, parking improvements, and plaza development near the Harvey House and along Becker Street”.

The initiative costs $2.4 million dollars, and will be funded by stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Investment Act of 2009. Before work begins on the project, the New Mexico Department of Transportation and Meridian Contracting must finalize a construction schedule.

CONTACT:  Augusta Meyers, MRCOG Communications Mgr. 505-239-8612, ameyers@mrcog-nm.gov

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