San Antonio In Midst Of Paving Job

WHAT’S UP ON SAN ANTONIO? Donn and Rene each have asked that question as they dodge the heavy equipment and watch the flag crews around the construction near the post office in the Northeast Heights.

So how long will it last?

Michael Riordan, director of the city’s Department of Municipal Development, says “the project on San Antonio is a full street pavement rehabilitation and is expected to last approximately another 10 days. The road will be striped and loop detectors (which tell the signal traffic is waiting) placed after the paving is done. The total cost for this portion of the project is approximately $600,000.”

I SEE THE HILL, SO WHY THE SIGN? Dick Kruse asks via email “why do they have the signs ‘hill blocks view’ on this highway? There are about eight of them from Bernalillo to Bloomfield, and it seems a waste of money to point out the obvious!”

Phil Gallegos, who handles information for the New Mexico Department of Transportation’s District 3 office, got the straight scoop from Assistant District Engineer Tony Abbo.

And Abbo says “by definition, A HILL BLOCKS VIEW (W7-6) sign may be used in advance of a crest vertical curve to advise road users to reduce speed as they approach and traverse the hill as only limited stopping sight distance is available.”

Stopping sight distance “is the distance traveled while the vehicle driver perceives a situation requiring a stop, realizes that stopping is necessary, applies the brake, and comes to a stop. Actual stopping distances are also affected by road conditions, the mass of the car, the incline of the road and numerous other factors.”

So, “because there is limited stopping sight distance for the hills on U.S. 550,” Abbo says, “as a safety measure, the signs were added.”

IF YOU SIGNAL, THEY WILL COME: After last week’s column on the lack of turn-signal use, readers couldn’t help but weigh in.

Robert called to say you simply can’t signal and turn safely, because if you do signal, other drivers will immediately speed up and block you from making your turn.

And another reader forwarded a personalized version of the driver’s manual for the Land of Enchantment. Entries include:

Turn signals — this is a device used in most other states to signal when the driver intends to turn. It is actuated by the stalk sticking out of the left side of the steering column. Using turn signals in N.M. will only result in other drivers being confused by the blinking lights. If you must use them, be sure to put them on several streets before you intend to turn so as to cause maximum confusion for drivers following you. Also, be sure to apply the brake before you put your turn signal on (see section on Mystery Braking).

Mystery Braking — When driving on a clear and unobstructed road you should periodically apply your brakes, (also see Approaching Intersections). This random application is intended to confuse drivers following you. In the unlikely event that you choose to use your turn signals, always apply the brake before putting on your turn signal to guarantee maximum confusion as to your intentions.

Approaching Intersections — When approaching intersections that are controlled by a traffic signal, always slow down even if the light is green. This ensures that should the light change as you approach the intersection, you can always speed up and make it through on the yellow but everyone behind you will get stuck by the red light.

When the Light Changes — In the event you are unlucky enough to be stopped at a red light, always count slowly to at least three (five is better) before proceeding when the light changes to green. That way, you will make sure that the light is as green as it’s going to get and that the fewest number of drivers behind you will get through the intersection.

Left Turns — Instead of proceeding into the intersection to wait for traffic to clear, always wait as far back as possible so that when traffic does clear or the light begins to change, no one behind you will be able to make it through. Also, do not turn unless you have an unobstructed view of oncoming traffic for at least 5 miles. If you are unsure of your ability to make it through the intersection, just sit there in the left turn lane. Don’t worry about the people behind you, they will just have to find another way to get where they’re going.

Assistant editorial page editor D’Val Westphal tackles commuter issues for the Metro area on Mondays and West Siders and Rio Ranchoans on Thursdays. Reach her at 823-3858 or road@abqjournal.com.
— This article appeared on page D1 of the Albuquerque Journal