Rio Ranchoans and travelers to the City of Vision will see more orange cones and have the scent of tar waft into their nostrils later this year as several community roads in Rio Rancho will see improvements.

The roads are being rehabilitated to make for a smoother ride. The total cost for work on the community roads is roughly $14.6 million.

City Manager James Jimenez said Western Hills, Nicklaus and Broadmoor drives, Cherry Road and 21st Avenue will all be reconstructed. Idalia Road will be rehabilitated. Roads slated to see preventative maintenance include Sugar, Eaton, Atlantic, Ivory, Buckboard, Black Hills, Lariat, Pine Bough, Storm Mountain, Sundt, Canvasback, Red River and Grande Vista. Orchid Drive, Pecos Loop, El Moro Drive, Summer Winds Drive, Stagecoach Street, Stallion Street, Panorama Heights Drive, Seven Falls Drive, Rosswood Drive, Lakeview Circle, Hermit Falls Drive, Saratoga Drive, Broadmoor Drive, Rincon de Romos Drive, La Pinta Court, El Granado Court, Oakmount Drive, Spruce Mountain Loop, Sunlight Peek Drive and Enchanted Hills Boulevard.

When determining what roads would be receiving a face lift, Jimenez had discussions with city councilors and the public works department.

“I wanted to get the input from the city councilors because they know their districts better than anyone and are aware of what improvements are necessary,” Jimenez said.

The funding to fix the roads will come from $25 million in general obligation bonds that were approved by voters in March. The bonds were sold April 22 and the closing is May 27. That’s when the city will realize the funds.

“We’re not doing as many roads as we would like, but the city will see substantial improvement in neighborhood streets,” Jimenez said. “Some sections of the city haven’t seen improvements in a long time.”

He said the road projects will be multiple bid packages, so that multiple roads can be improved simultaneously. Jimenez said the goal is to have the roads complete before the cold weather hits.

The bonds are 12-year bonds, maturing Aug. 1, 2021.The interest rate is 2.88 percent. The city will make interest payments each Feb. 1 for 12 years and principal and interest payments each Aug. 1 for 12 years, starting in 2010.

Modrall Sperling Law Firm is the city’s bond counsel and RBC Capital Markets is the city’s financial advisor.