[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 184 (Friday, September 20, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 49521]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-24100]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Bernalillo County, NM

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement 
(EIS) for improvements to the Interstate 25/ Interstate 40 Interchange.

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SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that an 
environmental impact statement will be prepared for a proposed 
transportation project in Bernalillo County, New Mexico in accordance 
with 23 CFR 771.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Reuben S. Thomas, Division Administrator, Federal Highway 
Administration, 604 W. San Mateo, Santa Fe, NM 87505, Telephone: (505) 
820-2022.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the New Mexico 
State Highway and Transportation Department, will prepare an 
environmental impact statement (EIS) on a proposal to make improvements 
to the Interstate 25/Interstate 40 interchanges (Big I) in Albuquerque, 
New Mexico. The ``Big I'' is centrally located within the Albuquerque 
urban area of Bernalillo County, New Mexico. The ``Big I'' is a focal 
point for local, state and regional traffic using I-25 and I-40 and, as 
such, is a critical element of the interstate system in Albuquerque and 
the State. The study area for the I-25/I-40 interchange project 
includes a 2.7 mile section of I-25 and a 2.6 mile section of I-40. The 
study area includes the interstate system, including service 
interchanges, ramps and ramp intersections with arterial cross streets. 
The study area is bounded on the north by the Comanche Road 
interchange, on the east by the Carlisle Boulevard interchange, on the 
south by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue interchange, and on the 
west by the Sixth Street interchange. Three fundamental problems exist 
within the project area. These are: (1) Recurring congestion on the 
freeway mainline and ramps; (2) a significantly higher than normal 
accident rate and consequential congestion associated with these 
accidents; and, (3) the need to replace aging bridge structures and 
pavement.
    A major investment study scoping meeting was held to comply with 
metropolitan transportation planning regulations. The purpose of the 
``Big I'' major investment study is to confirm the need for 
improvements to the interchange and adjacent interstate system. This 
study will also identify the design concept and scope of the needed 
transportation improvement and evaluate potential transportation 
alternatives that address the need for improvement.
    Alternatives for consideration will include the No-Action option 
and alternatives identified in the major investment study.
    Informal scoping for the proposal has begun. Comments were 
solicited from appropriate Native American groups, Federal, state and 
local agencies and from private organizations and citizens. Additional 
public information and formal scoping meetings will discuss our 
intention to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and will provide 
opportunity for public and agency input to aid preparation of the 
documentation.
    The draft EIS will be made available for Native American, public 
and agency review and comment. A public hearing will be advertised and 
held after document distribution and review.
    To ensure that the full range of issues related to this proposed 
action are addressed and all significant issues and impacts identified, 
comments and suggestions are invited from all interested parties. 
Comments on questions concerning this proposed action and the EIS 
should be directed to the FHWA at the address provided above.

(Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, 
Highway Planning and Construction. The regulations implementing 
Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental consultation on 
Federal programs and activities apply to this program.)

    Issued on June 30, 1994.
Reuben S. Thomas,
Division Administrator, Santa Fe, NM.
[FR Doc. 96-24100 Filed 9-19-96; 8:45 am]
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