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North Diversion Channel (NDC) Trail Rehabilitation Project

The City of Albuquerque Parks & Recreation Department is rehabilitating the North Diversion Channel Trail to improve safety, accessibility, and the overall trail user experience.

Project Updates

Phase 2 from Indian School Rd NE to Tucker Ave NE will be closed starting Wednesday September 16, 2026 for approximately two months.  Detour suggestions provided below, but please use the Bikeways and Multi-Use Trail Map for additional routes around construction.   Phase 1 from Indian School Rd NE north to the I-40 underpass is almost complete.

A path being paved by heavy machinery and construction workers.

The North Diversion Channel Trail project Phase 1 from Indian School Rd NE north to the I-40 underpass is expected to be completed by Saturday October 3, 2026.  During the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, October 3–11, cyclists may park at the identified lot and use the designated route shown on the diagram below to access the trail and head north.  Work on Phase 2 from Indian School Rd NE south to Tucker Ave NE will begin soon, and continue for approximately two months. 

An aerial map showing a bicycle parking area for the Balloon Fiesta in the lot northwest of Indian School and Unibersity. The route to leave is south from the lot to Indian School, then north on Indian School.

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to address trail deterioration in this area through pavement rehabilitation and trail improvements to meet current design standards. The existing trail asphalt will be milled and repaved to provide a smoother, safer surface along the existing multi-use trail corridor.

The project is funded through the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) with support from the Transportation Project Fund Grant (TPFG), and matching funds provided by the City of Albuquerque.

Construction will occur in two phases to help minimize impacts:

  • Phase 1: Indian School Road to Interstate 40
  • Phase 2: Indian School Road to Tucker Road

For the safety of the public and construction crews, the trail will be closed within the active construction area during each phase. A signed detour route will be provided throughout construction. Please refer to the detour map below and the Albuquerque Bikeways and Multi-Use Trail Map for routes around construction.

Construction is anticipated to begin in August of 2026, with both phases complete in December of 2026. The City appreciates the public's patience during construction and looks forward to providing a safer, smoother, and more enjoyable trail for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other trail users.

Detours During Construction

Phase 1 - Indian School to I-40

An aerial map showing a dotted line going east on the Embud Channel trail to Washington St., south on Washington St. to Indian School Rd., then west on Indian School Rd to the North Diversion Trail. A solid line labled Phase one goes north on the diversion trail until it ends right before the main road.

  • North Diversion Channel Trail will be closed between I-40 and Indian School Rd NE for mill and repave
  • The detour route is: Indian School Rd bike lane, Washington St bike lane, Embudo Channel Trail
  • Signage will be in place throughout construction
  • Construction will be approximately two months

Phase 2- Tucker to Indian School

An aerial map with a dotted line going around a large field that has a residential area on the northeast side. There is a solid black line on the west side labled Phase two. No streets are labeled.

  • North Diversion Channel Trail will be closed between Indian School Rd NE and Tucker Ave NE for mill and repave
  • The detour route is: Tucker Ave NE, Stanford Dr NE, Indian School Rd bike lane
  • Signage will be in place throughout construction
  • Construction will be approximately two months