Last weekend, the New Mexico Department of Transportation initiated the bid process for road improvements to the state’s Spaceport America.

Bids are currently being accepted and will be opened on July 18, with the winning “bidee” to start initial work on that piece of infrastructure on or around September 2008 - depending on weather and other factors.

Once that improved road — now a distinct but dusty and winding trail — is completed, construction of the spaceport can move forward more swiftly. The project will involve improving the road and applying a temporary chip and seal road surface. The hope is to have that work completed by year’s end.

According to the New Mexico Spaceport Authority, the current projection for completion of Spaceport America’s terminal and hangar facility should be wrapped up by 2010.

Keeping an eye on all of this are early adopters of Spaceport America’s promise as the nation’s first purpose-built commercial space facility: Virgin Galactic, Lockheed Martin, as well as Up Aerospace.