I understand that cost has a lot to do with whether to install or not install a roundabout or a four way stop. The pedestran crossing markings on Cabezon Blvd and Western Hills are now faded which most drivers cannot see well and do not slow down or stop if someone is walking across the intersection. A fresh coat of paint and maybe some obvious signs would definitely help for those walking across Cabezon Blvd. In addition, when driving on Western Hills north bound or south bound, it is difficult to see cross traffic when crossing across Cabezon Blvd because of overgrown shrubs and other center divide plants and trees. I am aware of at least two accidents that have happened there since 2009. Some fairly inexpensive and temporary solution could be done to make this a safe crossing for motorists and pedestrians.

If any thing this city needs less round abouts and stop signs. It is beginning to take way to long to travel within the city.

This response is from City of Rio Rancho administration.

The city of Rio Rancho’s Public Works Department and traffic engineers recommend use of roundabouts as a traffic control device because studies have shown roundabouts:

• Improve Safety
Reduction in fatalities, reduction in injuries, reduction in all crash types, reduction in the severity of a crash if it does occur, slower speeds which allow drivers more time to react to a situation, and generally safer for pedestrians because they need only cross one direction of traffic at a time at each approach

• Reduce Congestion
Allows for more efficient driving with less delays during regular and peak driving times

• Reduce Pollution and Fuel Use
Fewer stops, accelerations and less time idling

• Save Money
There is no traffic signal purchase/installation or ongoing power and maintenance requirements

Often times, less pavement is needed than a traditional intersection

Some roundabouts require less right-of-way than a traditional intersection

• Improved Community Quality
Roundabouts can yield quieter environments that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing

For more information about roundabouts, visit the city of Rio Rancho’s Web site at http://www.ci.rio-rancho.nm.us/roundabouts.

The city of Rio Rancho does not perform median maintenance on Cabezon Boulevard between Unser Boulevard to Western Hills Drive.

The Cabezon community contracts with a private company (Hilltop Landscaping) to perform median maintenance.

Staff from the city’s Public Works Department is currently reviewing moving the crosswalk from the intersection in question to location a short distance away that has less motor vehicle traffic converging in one spot. Once plans are finalized, this work - which would include new signs and striping - would take place in the spring, as specific asphalt temperatures are needed to apply striping.

To report future issues to the City of Rio Rancho directly, please visit the city’s Web site at http://www.ci.rio-rancho.nm.us and click on the “Citizen Question Forms” link located on the left side of the main home page.

I lived in Europe for many years so I enjoy using roundabouts....bring them on. I agree that they safely slow traffic and make it safer to drive in an intersection. I would like to know when this will happen at Cabezon Blvd and Western Hills. Thank you.

There are some good points about a round about. But four stop signs are definately cheaper than a round about.

$400,000 is an inappropriate amount of money to spend on this intersection. Especially when 4 stop signs would accomplish the same thing.

Let's keep this issue open....just crossing Cabezon on foot is dangerous enough and now with the trees and shrubs growing even bigger, the Cabezon/Western Hills crossing is even more dangerous. Seems like the city is still stalling on this as it is on building that bridge we need to make Westside Blvd four lanes all the way to Golf Course.

Just on Monday about 7:30AM, my wife and I were crossing Cabezon Blvd. in the crossing area from the north side of Western Hills to the south side when a vehicle coming from the Rancho Oro neighborhood made no attempt to slow down even though we were already in the middle of her side of the street. Other vehicles going in the opposite direction and in the same direction as here did slow down. We all need to keep up the pressure on our HOA and our local representatives to do something about this dangerous area.

Traffic on Cabezon blvd and Western Hills continues NOT to stop when walkers are walking across at designated crossings on Cabezon Blvd. We did report it to the police who came over and we gave him the license plate number but said they would not bother to contact them since they would just rebuke it anyway. The policeman did say there would be a police report of the report and he would ask his supervisor to see if a patrol could patrol the intersection at various times during the morning rush. Since we made the report we have had several more incidents where drivers just refuse to acknowledge that someone is trying to cross the road. In a way it's not surprising since the policeman said to us that "we are in New Mexico" so drivers do this type of thing here. That really made us feel good, but it's true, NM drivers are not responsible enough to drive let alone STOP for someone in a designated crossing. I encourage all of you to contact your local city rep on this one before someone gets hurt or killed.