The stretch of Second Street from Coal Avenue to Aztec Avenue was recently closed off.

City Manager Maryann Ustick says this action is part of the City of Gallup’s Alley Reconstruction project.

“New Mexico Gas replaced the 70-plus-year-old gas lines in the alleys from First to Third [streets],” Ustick said April 2.

However, the portion of the project to construct a new gas line across Second Street, which is a state road, requires a right-of-way permit from the New Mexico Department of Transportation.

Public Works Director Stanley Henderson confirmed the city manager’s response, and added that the segment that crosses Second Street will be completed this week.

“This project is the first step in the City’s plans to reconstruct the alley including utilities, drainage, and surface, as part of its downtown redevelopment master plan,” Henderson said April 2.

The alleyway pedestrian improvements in the Gallup Downtown Metropolitan  Redevelopment Area Plan will enhance the existing alleys between Coal and Aztec avenues as well as between Coal Avenue and Highway 66, according to the City of Gallup website.

Improvements will be made to local parking areas, pedestrian and bicycle routes, and access routes to nearby businesses and government offices. Key elements for success, according to the city, include placing utilities underground, specialty paving, lighting, benches, and planters.

The city’s infrastructure capital improvement plan split the Coal Ave Alley Reconstruction Project into two phases, with the first phase covering First Street to Second Street, and the second phase covering Second Street to Third Street.

The estimated cost for the Coal Ave Alley Project is about $1.15 million for both phases. The city designated both special and enterprise funds for the project.

By Cody Begaye|
Sun Correspondent