Zoo and Botanical Garden Remain Closed; Buses are Operating on a Delay
Most of the city’s services returned back to normal on Wednesday despite freezing temperatures.
The City’s Public Safety Chiefs are still urging residents to use caution when out in the cold weather. Meteorologists are predicting sub-zero temperatures throughout Wednesday night and into Thursday afternoon.
Chief Administrative Officer David Campbell and Public Safety Director Darren White provided the following updates:
City Closures
All city offices opened by 10 a.m. Wednesday. All City libraries, pools, museums, community centers and senior centers are open. The Rio Grande Zoo and the Botanical Garden remained closed.
Snow/Ice Removal
The City has applied three-fourths of its salt-cinder to Albuquerque’s roadways. Crews are still working on trouble spots such as bridges, the hill on N.M. 528 and South University Boulevard into Mesa del Sol. City traffic engineering crews are responding to five signals that are flashing red including two that have been knocked down due to traffic collisions and three that do not have power. Department of Municipal Development Officials estimate about $300,000 has been spent thus far on storm management.
Police
The Albuquerque Police Department responded to 13 down-and-out calls last night involving homeless people in distress. Officers treated these calls as “top priority” and transported the patients to local shelters. Police Chief Ray Schultz has ordered that all down-and-out calls are treated as top priority calls until temperatures warm. Unlike Tuesday, APD received very few reports of traffic collisions. There were only two traffic collisions last night.
Fire
Firefighters responded to 367 medical calls since the storm started. Many of the patients slipped and fell on the ice causing injuries. New Mexico Gas Company reports isolated natural gas interruptions throughout the city. People who have a natural gas service interruption should call the New Mexico Gas Company at 1-888-664-2726.
If there is an emergency or a strong odor of natural gas, people should call 911.
Residents should only use approved heating devices and avoid using ovens, grills and gas-fired space heaters as a way to heat your home. These devices put off toxic carbon monoxide gas. Carbon monoxide exposure causes flu-like symptoms.
Transit
Bus and Sun Van Paratransit services continue to operate. The following routes will not have service east of Tramway due to road conditions:
- Route 6 Indian School
- Route 7 Candelaria
- Route 11 Comanche
- Route 11 Lomas
- Sun Van Paratransit service
There is also no eastbound service on Route 8 Menaul between Louisiana and Pennsylvania due to a water main break.
Also of note, five City buses transported about 275 homeless people from the Albuquerque Rescue Mission to the West Side Shelter. This opened additional space inside Downtown shelters. If needed, ABQ Ride buses will be available for the homeless tonight.
Solid Waste Management
Solid Waste Management trucks continue to operate. There is no change in regularly scheduled service; however, there may be delays. Residents should leave their trash and recycle containers on the streets. In the event they are not picked up, crews will be working on missed service throughout the week.
Aviation
All runways at the Albuquerque International Sunport are open. Travelers should
check with their airlines to see if their flights are on schedule. Cancellations in the Midwest have affected air travel nationwide.
Animal Welfare
The City’s two shelters and Lucky Paws in Coronado Mall are open for all services. Animal Control officers will be out answering calls as well. Because of the bitterly cold temperatures and wind chills below zero, Animal Welfare urges everyone to bring their pets inside and to make sure they have adequate food and water. In these conditions a dog house is not adequate. All animals should have a warm environment.
Senior Affairs
All senior centers, multi-generational centers and meal sites are open. However, since there are some neighborhoods that are difficult to drive through, many city employees who drive 4X4 vehicles volunteered to deliver meals to homebound seniors beginning at 8 a.m.today. Senior Affairs will continue to utilize volunteers until all neighborhoods in Albuquerque are easily passable.
