Alleviated Congestion at I-40 and Unser Blvd/98th Street
Albuquerque, NM
September 16, 2014
A Solution to the 70% Increase in Traffic
Today Elected Officials and Neighborhood Representatives celebrated the new lanes added onto I-40 Westbound at Unser Blvd and 98th/St. Arroyo Vista Blvd off ramps. Traffic volumes have increased over 70% in this area and are expected to continue to increase with the continued growth of the Westside. The new Albuquerque Public School sports stadium located on Arroyo Vista (98th Street north of I-40) is drawing traffic from the entire Albuquerque metropolitan area.
Councilor Sanchez and Senator Jacob Candelaria led the efforts to add a second lane to the exits of Unser Blvd and 98th St/Arroyo Vista Blvd. They worked closely with the community, the Westside Legislators and the New Mexico Department of Transportation
The second lanes at these exists have already alleviated congestion at the off-ramps and improved the freeway and interchange operations as well as the flow of traffic on I-40.
Fast Facts
- Took 96 days to complete
- Work began in May 2014 and was competed in early September.
- AUI (Albuquerque Underground Inc.) was the Contractor.
- Total cost of the project was $1.7 million.
Attendees
- City Council President Ken Sanchez
- Senator Jacob Candelaria
- Representatives Antonio Maestas, Paul Pacheco & Monica Youngblood
- President of Tres Volcanes Neighborhood Association, Tommy Borst
- President of the Westside Coalition, Jerry Worrall
Residents Get Home to Their Families Sooner
Councilor Sanchez was proud to be a part of this project. “Over 50,000 cars a day use these exits, and now the residents of the Westside are able to get home to their families sooner and don’t have as long of a wait on the freeway because of the additional lanes.” He added, “this is a real example of what’s possible when we put partisanship aside and work together towards improving the quality of life for every Albuquerque family.”
