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City Working to Prop Up Economy with Nearly $70 Million in Construction Projects

Major infrastructure upgrades, ADA improvements, public facility construction will continue to support key jobs and capitalize on less traffic and facility usage

April 1, 2020

Mayor Tim Keller focused Wednesday’s Daily Briefing on the City’s efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic on nearly $70 million in construction projects that the administration is initiating in the next six months.

“Under the necessary public health guidelines, it’s important to keep the city running and build some sort of bulwark for recovery. That’s why the City and the local construction industry are teaming up to accelerate what construction projects we can to help prevent layoffs, take advantage of empty streets and buildings, and provide critical momentum toward long-term economic recovery from this serious crisis,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Over the next six months our city will be getting more accessible streets and sidewalks, two new community centers, an Explora expansion, a new library, and help for locals working in construction with a steady paycheck.”

In the construction industry, as in any industry, the City is encouraging private sector partners and employees to follow best practices for safety and health: maintain social distancing, stay home if you are sick or might be sick, and get tested if you are having symptoms.

The City is also anticipating that quieter traffic as residents stay home will make for safer, more efficient, and less disruptive work sites overall.

“With construction work considered an essential service, the Department of Municipal Development is pressing forward to improve the foundations of the City so we can all return from isolation to a safer, more efficient, and more engaging city. In the next six months you will see major construction projects at the BioPark and the International District Library, safer streets, and more accessible sidewalks all over our community,” said DMD Director Pat Montoya.

“District 2 is the city center and many of the projects happening here have true citywide impact. I’m glad to see we are moving forward and thankful that, with the Keller administration and our professionals in DMD, we are on the job,” said District 2 City Councilor Isaac Benton.

Projects currently under construction or starting in the next six months include:

  • International District Library
  • ADA upgrades throughout south east Albuquerque
  • Central Underpass pedestrian renovation
  • Median landscaping in key city locations
  • Singing Arrow Community Center
  • Marble/Arno Pump Station
  • Westside Community Center
  • Explora STEM Expansion
  • 12th and Menaul Intersection Improvements
  • Jennifer Riordan Sports Complex Field Six and New Signage
  • Pinned Medians along ART route
  • Railyard Utilities and streetscapes
  • Cross walk improvements
  • Convention Center Display Boards
  • HAWK Signal in Nob Hill

The City is also investing roughly $23 million into street rehabilitation and repaving across the city, $1.5 million in restriping existing roadway, and $1 million for median upgrades on West Central within the next six months.