Rio Rancho HS braces for traffic delays

RIO RANCHO, N.M. (KRQE) - Rio Rancho High School administrators are bracing for a traffic nightmare Thursday morning for the first day of school. A delayed construction project has the roads around the school torn up.

"It's going to be a mess," said Rio Rancho High School principal Richard Van Ancken.

School parents and students have been notified by the district of the construction and have advised everyone to leave for school 30 minutes ahead of time.

"They sure did pick a fine time to tear up the streets, right when school starts," said parent Valerie Campos.

"I think it's going to be hectic," said senior Amber Ramos. "Honestly, there's always crashes without the construction since kids don't know how to drive."

The Rio Rancho Public Works Department and the contractor Pulte are asking for patience.

They said delays are due to last minute design changes.