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          Front Page  opinion

Opinion

Congested Intersection
Needs Fix, Not Politics
A study of the best way to relieve the traffic headache at Fourth and Montaño NW could be a good investment, but election-year mayoral politics are muddying the issue.
Mayor Martin Chávez vetoed Councilor Debbie O'Malley's proposal for a $150,000 study by the Mid Region Council of Governments. City staff could do a study, he said.
O'Malley plans a veto override. She represents residents around the intersection and is aligned with Councilor Eric Griego, a mayoral hopeful.
Chávez, looking toward re-election next fall, would solidify support among West Side commuters by re-striping the Montaño bridge from two to four lanes. But the Fourth-Montaño intersection must first be rebuilt. A study could delay the project, scheduled for later this year -- but the project is acknowledged as a temporary fix.
Instead of butting heads, perhaps the mayor and council could agree to an independent review by an outside firm. The goal should be to determine a design that meets the needs of commuters, addresses the concerns of area businesses and residents and avoids the need to fix a temporary fix.
A study intended to support one side of the issue is a waste of time and money. But a study that would facilitate four efficient lanes of travel from Coors to Interstate 25 would be a solid investment.