A speed round of traffic questions and answers
This column is only as good as you loyal Journal readers who call, email and write your traffic concerns in so our area experts can explain the methods to the seeming madness or address what’s not working. And so today, in honor of all of you, is a speed round of questions and answers to try to get as many into print and online as possible.
WHY DID MVD REJECT MY SOCIAL SECURITY CARD?
Before the holiday some reports came in of drivers trying to renew their licenses and being turned away by clerks who said the rules had changed and they no longer accepted Social Security cards as documentation for a Real ID.
Charlie Moore, who handles information for the state Taxation and Revenue Department, says “there was a problem because of some miscommunication on our end, but nothing actually has changed. The ‘not for identification purposes’ printed on some older SS cards was the source of the problem. Those are still fine for meeting the ID number requirement — column 2 on the list of acceptable documents.”
I covered the requirements most recently in my Oct. 28 column, available at ABQJournal.com. A full list and more information is at www.mvd.newmexico.gov/real-idinformation.aspx.
RIO GRANDE AND ORTEGA STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION:
The gas line work that closed the intersection in Los Ranchos started Nov. 11 and was supposed to be finished Nov. 22. But readers report it’s still not completely open.
Tim Korte of N.M. Gas Co. says “it is strictly weather-related.” Snow and rain delayed the work, and as of Thursday, while Rio Grande was re-opened, Ortega remained closed because of an open hole, with final backfill and paving on standby.
“The soil must dry enough to be compacted when the hole is fully backfilled, plus we need to put down a solid base to set up the paving work, Korte says, “And to complete the paving, we will need dry weather and temperatures above 40 degrees.”
AND FOURTH WORK ISN’T A RE-DO:
A caller last week asked why crews were working on Fourth between Osuna and Green Valley when it had looked like that project was complete. She was concerned money was being wasted on a re-do of a new road.
Tim McDonough, who handles Planning and Zoning for the Village of Los Ranchos, says it was “a small patch of paving on the south end of the project that couldn’t be completed until the surrounding work was complete. That portion is now complete. Residents may see additional work continuing as warranty and punch-list items are addressed, along with lighting in the new parking lot that was added at the end of the project.”
CAR-SEAT CLINIC FRIDAY: This Friday is the second of the month, meaning the state Department of Transportation and Safer New Mexico Now will host a free car-seat safety clinic from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Fire Station No. 20 at 7520 Corona NE.
Technicians will check your installation, make sure it fits the child using it and verify the seat isn’t outdated or under a recall. An incorrectly installed seat doesn’t protect the child, so bring the car, the seat — and the child, if possible. For more info on the 11 fitting stations across the state or to make an appointment, call (800) 231-6145.
THEY WILL PUMP YOUR GAS:
Several weeks ago, geneology asked in an email for “a list of gas stations that still have an attendant who would pump gas for a handicapped person?” Readers responded, with several echoing jsyingling2 that “Costco offers that service.” But then you have to be a member. Bev Coleman, who shares she is a paraplegic with a rampvan that makes it impossible for her to get out and push a handicap call button on a pump, emails she will “call the station when I park at a pump to say that I am a handicapped driver at pump x and request the attendant come to fill my tank at the particular pump. The only time I have ever been refused is when there is only one attendant working.”