New Three Way Intersection Project Begins at Dove Road

Santa Ana Pueblo leaders and state transportation officials marked the start of construction planning for a $2.4 million project to reconfigure the three way intersection at Dove Road and New Mexico State Road 313. The December 19 groundbreaking included a blessing and shovel ceremony led by Pueblo Governor Myron Armijo and attended by former governors who helped secure funding for the work.

The project will expand NM 313 and add a dedicated turn lane on Dove Road to address congestion and safety concerns officials identified as arising from population growth and increased traffic. New Mexico Transportation Secretary Ricky Serna was represented at the event by a deputy, who said the project improves safety, access to jobs and services, and connections between communities. Contractors and tribal leaders emphasized that improvements will benefit both the pueblo and nearby Bernalillo.

Lenea Corporation, a Native American tribal construction company, was named as the contractor for the work. Construction was expected to begin in January and to take about 18 months, a timeline that would place substantial completion in mid 2027. The choice of a tribal firm and the participation of pueblo leadership tie the project to local economic development objectives as well as transportation goals.

For residents the project promises shorter delays at a frequently congested junction, clearer turning movements for local traffic, and potentially faster emergency response access. It also aims to improve access to employment centers and services that require reliable travel between the pueblo and neighboring communities. Officials framed the investment as a targeted response to regional growth rather than a standalone road project.

Accountability and monitoring will determine whether the promised benefits materialize. Key factors for the public to track include adherence to the projected timeline, measures to minimize construction disruption, local hiring and contracting practices, and post construction traffic and safety outcomes. The groundbreaking marks the start of a tangible upgrade to a critical local corridor, and county and pueblo officials will need to maintain transparent reporting as work proceeds.