Paseo del Norte Construction Will Pay Off (Eventually)

Even on a normal day, Albuquerque traffic can be pretty frustrating. And as you’re probably aware, there are some major construction projects that will be starting within the coming months. Among them is the Paseo/I-25 Interchange Project, which recently began and likely won’t end anytime soon.

Although the construction will inconvenience those of us who commute using Paseo Del Norte/I-25, it will have benefits--in time. According to the project’s website, it will accomplish the following:

A reconstruction project to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety and air quality in one of New Mexico's busiest transportation corridors that includes six major improvements: 

1.     A two-lane free-flow ramp to improve the eastbound-to-southbound traffic movement in the morning peak travel time (7-9 a.m.). 

2.     A two-lane flyover ramp to improve the northbound-to-westbound traffic movement in the evening peak travel time (4:30-6:30 p.m.). 

3.     An overpass at the intersection of Jefferson Street and Paseo Del Norte to improve east-west access and local traffic flow. 

4.     Bicycle and pedestrian improvements to provide a critical link across I-25 and connect existing paths in the area. 

5.     Improved freeway access for traffic originating from the area east of the Paseo Del Norte/I-25 interchange. 

6.     I-25 mainline improvements between the Alameda Boulevard and Jefferson Street interchanges to improve safety and traffic flow.

And what will the benefits of all these additions be? According to the project’s website, once completed, it will save Albuquerqueans a ton of time, will reduce automobile accidents, and will save the city lots of money:

Expected Traffic Benefits 

Economic Analysis 

Based on engineering traffic modeling, the estimated project results are: 

●      Potential savings of more than 350,000 hours in travel time annually. 

○      Equivalent to more than one hour per person per week or more than 170 person work years in increased work productivity every year. 

●      Safety improvements to Paseo Del Norte/I-25 area. 

○      Anticipated reduction in approximately 470 accidents a year between three intersections due to reduction in congestion, weaving, and intersections with traffic signals. 

●      Congestion relief on parallel river crossings. 

●      Improved air quality due to reduced congestion. Based on Mid-Region Council of Governments Economic Modeling, the projected effects to the local economy include: 

●      $2.8 billion in net new economic activity from year 2013-2031 for the Albuquerque region. 

●      More than 3,000 net new jobs within 20 years. 

●      An estimated $2.5 million annual savings in fuel for the region over the next 20 years, supporting a local workforce of approximately 38,000 current jobs (20% of workforce). 

For more information on the Paseo/I-25 Interchange Project, click here. You can even watch a virtual simulation of what it will be like to drive through the new sections. And for updates, remember to follow @paseoi25 on Twitter.