Loretta Tollefson, the special projects manager for the Mid-Region Council of Governments, and David Pennington, the engineering consultant, gave a presentation using pictures and charts to explain the data and community comments that have been collected.

"The primary purpose of the study is to find some alternative routes to relieve N.M. 6," said Tollefson. "In moving forward with the process, we had a public meeting in January.

Pennington, who led the audience through the graphs and data, told the council that what they've done is the first phase of the project.

"This is a three-phase process we're following," Pennington told the council. "It is a process that the DOT (Department of Tranportation) follows, and it adheres to federal process, so it's a process that is tested over time."

There are two reasons for seeking out alternative east-west routes. The first is the congestion of traffic, which leads to the second reason, the obstruction of emergency response, whether it be police, fire or medical, said Pennington.

The consultant said the route they envision would look more like Montano Road in Albuquerque rather than Paseo del Norte. A freeway is not being considered, he said.

"It is important that the public understand it is a four-lane concept that we are looking at with aggregated intersections, and hopefully with parallel (bicycle) trails," said Pennington.

Two of the most popular and least disruptive routes under consideration are Morris and Miller Roads, he said.

"These are the two that seem most efficient with the least amount of impact to existing properties," said Pennington.

"No matter which alignment you look at, it will involve the acquisition of private property, and in some instances, the relocation of the existing residents."

He said the number of residences affected varies with the alignment.

The largest amount of community support went to the Morris Road alignment, according to the collected data.

Councilor Richard Lovato asked Pennington how long it would be before it can be a reality.

Pennington answered that it depended on the performance speculations put on the contractor.

"The environmental process would probably take another year, the design of this size of project would probably be 12 to 16 months, and could be longer," he said. "Construction will need a couple of seasons — about 18 months. The entire project will take about a five- year period if the money is in place to make it all work sequentially."

Mayor Robert Vialpando described the process and project as a "very challenging situation."

"I know what needs to be done, but because of the historical sites on Highway 6, we cannot expand that street anymore," Vialpando said.

"It's not just a Los Lunas issue that needs to be dealt with," Councilor Charles Griego said. "It's a county-wide transportation issue that's being dealt with. It also affects Highway 47. The scope of this project is not just alleviating Highway 6."

Pennington said some of the comments from the community said that Los Lunas needs to deal with the problem alone.

"But I think the reality is if you're heading north, there's two ways out of this area. One is I-25 or the N.M. 314 corridor. The other is (N.M.) 47, and if you are heading to Walmart, there's one way. So, while some people may not fully understand that, this as a community-wide issue — it clearly is," he said.

A public opinion survey designed by a professional research polling organization is being considered to gain greater public opinion.

"We do want to know what the community at large thinks," Pennington said. "I think it's important for you as elected officials, and particularly the county commission.