Mayor Martin J. Chávez, City Councilor Ken Sanchez, City Councilor Isaac Benton, and ABQ RIDE Director Greg Payne broke ground on September 16, 2009 for Albuquerque’s new Southwest Mesa Transit Center. The groundbreaking took place at the northwest corner of Central and Unser, across Central from the new Unser Crossing shopping center.

Already planned for development next to the center is a UNMH health clinic, shopping center, and public library. Increased employment opportunities and a steady rise in ridership have created the need for improved public transit outlets. Martin J. Chávez says, “As the Westside continues to grow, we are working to meet the needs of the community by improving public transportation. This new transit center helps us achieve that goal.”

City Councilor Ken Sanchez has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. “The Southwest Mesa has been in need of an upgraded park and ride along with retail services and restaurants for quite some time. With the help and effort of the community we are finally accomplishing this,” says Councilor Sanchez.

Results are expected to mirror last year’s Northwest Transit Center opening, where parking lots were filled to capacity on opening day. “Skyrocketing ridership in recent years has created a demand for more transit facilities. We’re continuing our pledge to build a 21st century transportation system for a 21st century city”, says Director Payne.

The new Southwest Mesa Transit Center will cost $1.7 million with funding coming from City Bonds (18%) and the Federal Transit Administration (82%.) The new Center will include 187 parking spaces (including 6 motorcycle and 8 ADA spaces), a large canopy to provide shelter, including benches, 3 bus bays plus staging room for more buses and bike lockers and racks. Two current routes (#54, #766) will serve it, including the Red Line Rapid Ride, with room for future growth.

Week 1

September 28 - October 2: Grading the driveway and parking areas.

Week 2

October 5 - 9: Continued grading of the driveway and parking areas.

Eventual Central Entrance / Exit                           Looking north from Central

Week 3

October 11 - 16: Underground infrastructure construction begins

Putting in the underground structures.                 The entrance/exit to Unser Blvd.

Week 4

October 19 - 23: Cement construction begins

Driveway cement curbs were poured                     Parking cement curbs poured

Week 5

October 26 - 30: Cement construction continues

Getting ready to pour concrete footings