Executive Summary
This comprehensive proposal outlines a transformational multi-modal transportation network for Albuquerque, prioritizing pedestrian safety, cycling infrastructure, micromobility options, and complete streets design. The $2.8 billion investment over 12 years would create a world-class active transportation network serving all residents regardless of age, ability, or income level.
Current Transportation Crisis
Albuquerque faces a critical transportation crisis that demands immediate action:
- Pedestrian Safety Crisis: New Mexico ranks #1 deadliest state for pedestrians for 7 consecutive years
- Car Dependency: 82% of residents drive alone to work, limiting mobility for 18% without reliable vehicle access
- Health Impact: Limited active transportation options contribute to obesity and air quality issues
- Economic Burden: Average household spends $12,000 annually on transportation costs
- Climate Impact: Transportation accounts for 28% of local greenhouse gas emissions
Complete Streets Vision
Our vision transforms Albuquerque's streets into complete, safe, and accessible corridors for all users. Every street improvement will incorporate:
Pedestrian Priority
Wide sidewalks, protected crossings, and accessible design
Protected Cycling
Separated bike lanes with physical barriers
Micromobility
E-scooter and bike share integration
Transit Integration
Seamless connections to bus and rail
Green Infrastructure
Urban canopy and stormwater management
Universal Access
ADA compliant design for all abilities
Street Design Transformations
Central Avenue Complete Street Redesign
BEFORE: Car-Centric Design
Issues: Narrow sidewalks, no bike infrastructure, fast vehicle speeds, dangerous pedestrian crossings
AFTER: Complete Street Design
Benefits: Protected cycling, slower traffic speeds, improved pedestrian safety, green median for stormwater
Coors Boulevard BRT + Complete Street
BEFORE: High-Speed Arterial
Issues: 6-lane speedway, no bike access, minimal pedestrian infrastructure, dangerous crossings
AFTER: BRT + Complete Street
Benefits: Rapid transit, protected bike lanes, slower car speeds, center-platform BRT stations
Phased Implementation by Priority
Phase 1: Crisis Response (2025-2027) - $450M
Immediate Safety Interventions
- Fatal Crash Corridors: Complete redesign of top 25 deadliest streets
- School Zone Safety: Protected crossings at all 200+ schools
- Downtown Core: Complete street transformation of Central, 4th, 6th Streets
- Emergency Bike Network: 150 miles of protected lanes on major corridors
- ADA Compliance: 5,000 curb ramps and accessible pedestrian signals
Priority Areas: Central Ave, Coors Blvd, Montgomery, Eubank, San Mateo
Phase 2: Network Expansion (2027-2030) - $980M
Comprehensive Active Transportation Network
- Complete Bike Network: 400 additional miles of protected bike infrastructure
- Transit Integration: Multi-modal hubs at 50 locations
- Neighborhood Greenways: 200 miles of low-stress residential routes
- River Crossings: 8 new pedestrian/bike bridges across Rio Grande
- Micromobility System: 5,000 e-bikes and 2,000 e-scooters citywide
Focus: Connecting neighborhoods to employment centers and schools
Phase 3: Regional Connectivity (2030-2033) - $750M
Metro-wide Active Transportation
- Regional Trails: 300 miles connecting surrounding communities
- Transit-Oriented Development: Complete streets around all rail stations
- Smart Infrastructure: IoT-enabled traffic signals and bike counters
- Climate Adaptation: Shade structures and cooling stations
- Maintenance Systems: Automated street sweeping and snow removal
Coverage: Extending to Rio Rancho, Bernalillo, Los Lunas
Phase 4: Innovation & Enhancement (2033-2037) - $620M
Next-Generation Transportation
- Autonomous Shuttle Integration: Last-mile connections to rail stations
- Dynamic Infrastructure: Responsive lighting and heating systems
- Community Spaces: Pocket parks and plazas at major intersections
- Performance Optimization: AI-driven traffic management
- Resilience Upgrades: Flood-resistant and earthquake-safe design
Innovation: Establishing Albuquerque as a smart city leader
Investment and Financing
Total Project Investment: $2.8 Billion
Funding Strategy
Federal Funding (45% - $1.26B)
- IIJA Safe Streets for All: $400M
- Transportation Alternatives: $350M
- RAISE/BUILD Grants: $300M
- FHWA Safety Programs: $210M
State/Local Funding (35% - $980M)
- NM Road Fund Allocation: $400M
- City Capital Improvement: $300M
- County Transportation: $180M
- Special Assessment Districts: $100M
Innovative Financing (20% - $560M)
- Green Bonds: $250M
- Public-Private Partnerships: $150M
- Carbon Credit Revenue: $100M
- Development Impact Fees: $60M
Expected Outcomes & Benefits
Safety Improvements
75% reduction in pedestrian fatalities
60% reduction in cycling injuries
40% reduction in vehicle crashes
Environmental Impact
35% reduction in transportation emissions
Improved air quality
Urban heat island mitigation
Economic Benefits
$8.4B in economic activity
15,000 construction jobs
$2.1B in property value increases
Health & Equity
Increased daily physical activity
Improved access for underserved communities
Reduced transportation costs for families
Mode Shift Projections
Signature Projects
Paseo del Norte Complete Street Transformation
Converting the 6-lane highway into a complete street with BRT, protected bike lanes, and safe pedestrian crossings.
AFTER: Multi-Modal Corridor
Features: 15-minute BRT service, grade-separated bike lanes, pedestrian overpasses every 0.5 miles
Rio Grande Bosque Trail Network
A 50-mile continuous trail system along the Rio Grande with connections to every neighborhood.
Trail Features:
- 12-foot wide paved trail
- Separate equestrian path
- Bridge connections every 2 miles
- Rest areas with shade and water
- Emergency call boxes every 0.5 miles
- Native landscaping and wildlife viewing
- Solar-powered LED lighting
- Winter maintenance program
Neighborhood Greenway Network
Low-stress, family-friendly bike routes on residential streets connecting schools, parks, and commercial districts.
Typical Greenway Design
Features: 15 mph speed limit, traffic calming, bike priority signals, frequent street trees
Innovation & Technology Integration
🚦 Smart Traffic Management
- AI-powered adaptive signals
- Real-time pedestrian detection
- Priority for bikes and transit
- Weather-responsive timing
📱 Mobile Integration
- Unified mobility app
- Real-time route optimization
- Integrated payment system
- Safety reporting tools
🌐 Data & Analytics
- Continuous traffic monitoring
- Air quality sensors
- Usage pattern analysis
- Predictive maintenance
Community Benefits & Equity
Prioritizing Underserved Communities
The implementation strategy prioritizes historically underserved areas with:
South Valley Focus
$400M investment in South Valley infrastructure, connecting residents to downtown jobs and services
School Connectivity
Safe routes to all 200+ schools, reducing car dependence for families
Healthcare Access
Direct bike/walk connections to all major medical facilities
Economic Development Impact
Construction Phase Economic Impact
Performance Metrics & Success Indicators
Safety Metrics
Usage & Mode Share Targets
Implementation Strategy
Year 1 Quick Wins (2025)
- Emergency Safety Interventions: Immediate improvements at 50 highest-crash intersections
- Pilot Projects: 5-mile protected bike lane demonstration on Central Avenue
- Policy Changes: Complete Streets ordinance adoption
- Community Engagement: Neighborhood planning workshops in all districts
- Funding Applications: Submit federal grant applications for Phase 1
Ongoing Maintenance & Operations
Annual Operating Costs: $85 Million
Conclusion
The Albuquerque Complete Streets initiative represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our city into a safe, sustainable, and equitable transportation network. This $2.8 billion investment over 12 years will:
Transform Albuquerque Into:
🚶♀️ Walkable City
Safe, comfortable pedestrian infrastructure everywhere
🚴♂️ Bike-Friendly
Protected bike lanes connecting every neighborhood
🌱 Sustainable
35% reduction in transportation emissions
⚖️ Equitable
Transportation choices for all income levels
By 2037, Albuquerque will be recognized as the leading mid-size city in America for active transportation, setting the standard for safe, sustainable, and equitable mobility.