Las Crucens concerned about “dangerous” intersection

Some Las Crucens are demanding change for what they call a “dangerous” intersection.

People who live and work near the intersection of Melendres and Amador say the sound of screeching brakes is as normal as birds chirping.

Pedro Ybarra, an employee at a business on the corner of the intersection said he’s only been there for a year. In that time, he said he’s seen a lot of crashes in this intersection.

Ybarra and other Las Crucens said the city needs to do something about it.

“When I’m pulling lumber out here, I’ve seen people getting almost hit, people swerving out of the way. That intersection is a big problem and it should be looked at, definitely,” Ybarra said.

Ybarra works at a construction company where business is picking up. That means having to drive through the intersection of Amador and Melendres to make deliveries.

“It’s quite scary since I drive a big truck. Getting across that intersection is really hard,” Ybarra said.

Residents who live nearby said they sometimes take the long way around just to avoid the intersection.

“It’s really busy. People come down Amador like they’re crazy. I’m not kidding. They come down nuts,” said Andi Freespirit, a resident who lives nearby.

Almost 60 Las Crucens signed a petition to the city. They want a traffic light installed at the intersection.

First the city has to do traffic studies.

Then the City Council would have to approve the project.

“To make sure the streets are safe, that’s something the information would be brought to the City Council. I’m sure they would look very favorably on it. We want to make sure our road is safe for our residents and drivers alike,” said Ken Miyagishima, mayor of Las Cruces.

Last week, an SUV turning left onto Melendres hit a motorcyclist.

Residents hope something is done soon.

“If it saves lives and stops the congestion there I think it would be marvelous. Everybody that lives around here would say the same thing,” Freespirit said.

The city traffic engineer is already working on the first traffic study.

Miyagishima said installing a new light at the intersection could cost almost $400,000.