The reconstruction and widening of I-25 through Albuquerque has been in the works for many years. Over the past decade, several projects have been completed, including:
I-25/Paseo Del Norte interchange reconstruction
Added travel lane between Jefferson Blvd and Alameda Blvd
Reconstruction of the I-25/Rio Bravo interchange
Added travel lane between Sunport Blvd and NM-47 near the Isleta Pueblo
Next up: Reconstructing and widening I-25 between Comanche Rd. and Montgomery Blvd. This project is estimated at $100 million, with construction projected to start in 2023.
And NMDOT is currently planning to reconstruct I-25 in the vicinity of Gibson Blvd starting in 2027 (hopefully they'll eliminate the dreaded S-curve between Central Ave and Avenida Cesar Chavez at that time).
https://www.abqjournal.com/2418501/100m-i25-project-aims-to-ease-bottlenecks-ex-interchanges-with-both-montgomery-and-comanche-targeted.html
The S curve S of the Lead/Coal couplet should have been addressed - at the same time as the Big I reconstruction of '00-'02. At least 15 million was wasted - to elevate 25 over Lomas Blvd, on a replacement bridge, to connect to the ancient late fifties elevated section over Central Ave. This is whats known as a "throwaway improvement". The entire 25 mainline - needs to be depressed, widened, and decked over in the Central / Lead / Coal environs. The property E of the mainline - in the S curve vicinity, believe is owned by APS and needs to be relocated. There does appear to be room, in fact, to have a eight to ten lane depressed facility, with parallel one way frontages on each side, at grade, in this Lomas / Central / Lead / Coal environ.
Quote from: DJStephens on September 26, 2021, 12:23:48 PM
The S curve S of the Lead/Coal couplet should have been addressed - at the same time as the Big I reconstruction of '00-'02. At least 15 million was wasted - to elevate 25 over Lomas Blvd, on a replacement bridge, to connect to the ancient late fifties elevated section over Central Ave. This is whats known as a "throwaway improvement". The entire 25 mainline - needs to be depressed, widened, and decked over in the Central / Lead / Coal environs. The property E of the mainline - in the S curve vicinity, believe is owned by APS and needs to be relocated. There does appear to be room, in fact, to have a eight to ten lane depressed facility, with parallel one way frontages on each side, at grade, in this Lomas / Central / Lead / Coal environ.
And from what I'm seeing, it looks like NMDOT is going to take a very piecemeal approach to dealing with the S-curve. The first project will permanently close the NB offramp to MLK Boulevard and extend the lane from the Lead/Coal onramp to the Lomas exit. Next will be the reconstruction of the I-25/Gibson interchange. I don't know how they're planning to functionally improve the Gibson interchange given there are two cemeteries on opposite sides that butt up right against the ramps. One of the concepts I saw had braided ramps between Sunport Blvd and Lead/Coal that includes the interchanges with Gibson and Cesar Chavez.
Quote from: DJStephens on September 26, 2021, 12:23:48 PM
The S curve S of the Lead/Coal couplet should have been addressed - at the same time as the Big I reconstruction of '00-'02. At least 15 million was wasted - to elevate 25 over Lomas Blvd, on a replacement bridge, to connect to the ancient late fifties elevated section over Central Ave. This is whats known as a "throwaway improvement". The entire 25 mainline - needs to be depressed, widened, and decked over in the Central / Lead / Coal environs. The property E of the mainline - in the S curve vicinity, believe is owned by APS and needs to be relocated. There does appear to be room, in fact, to have a eight to ten lane depressed facility, with parallel one way frontages on each side, at grade, in this Lomas / Central / Lead / Coal environ.
Another problem with not having a viable bypass route to divert traffic to during a project.
The only parallel street in the vicinity is Broadway, to the west. Frankly would get APS out of there, build "temporary" frontages, and then start the utility relocations, then start the trench.
Quote from: rarnold on October 20, 2021, 10:53:39 PM
Quote from: DJStephens on September 26, 2021, 12:23:48 PM
The S curve S of the Lead/Coal couplet should have been addressed - at the same time as the Big I reconstruction of '00-'02. At least 15 million was wasted - to elevate 25 over Lomas Blvd, on a replacement bridge, to connect to the ancient late fifties elevated section over Central Ave. This is whats known as a "throwaway improvement". The entire 25 mainline - needs to be depressed, widened, and decked over in the Central / Lead / Coal environs. The property E of the mainline - in the S curve vicinity, believe is owned by APS and needs to be relocated. There does appear to be room, in fact, to have a eight to ten lane depressed facility, with parallel one way frontages on each side, at grade, in this Lomas / Central / Lead / Coal environ.
Another problem with not having a viable bypass route to divert traffic to during a project.
They should build a westside bypass of I-25 that runs along the West Mesa from Bernalillo or Algodones in the north to Isleta in the south. In fact, there were proposals back in the late '60s to construct a beltway around ABQ. Portions of Tramway, Paseo Del Norte and Paseo Del Volcan were built as elements of that beltway concept. The idea at the time was the beltway would have been built out in stages as money became available.
While recent development in the Albuquerque foothills has effectively killed any chance of Tramway being upgraded to a full freeway, the Paseo Del Volcan portion is still on the table. Maybe within my lifetime I'll see such a westside bypass be fully built out.
Suspect Coors Blvd was once viewed as the W section of that long dead beltway idea. The original I-40 / Coors interchange (1961) had some elements that hinted at limited access extensions both N and S along Coors, that of course never happened. It's replacement (2003) struggled to fit into an area that had literally become overwhelmed by growth.
Hypothetical N-S west side freeways then moved W. Unser Blvd, and then Paseo de Volcan.
Too much tribalism, and fiefdoms for something like a beltway to ever happen. If by some miracle, it could happen, would run it from just W of the S I-25 Rio Grande Bridge, curving in an arc to meet I-40 at the hypothetical full stack at I-40. Then following Paseo del Volcan alignment to the NNE, finally reaching I-25 again in Bernalillo. Interstate 425. Was in the Albuquerque area last month (Aug 22). The Bernalillo area along US 550 / NM 44 was packed in by growth and traffic lights. Remember the late nineties, when it was still "semi-rural". Absolutely no sense of foresight or planning.
Quote from: DJStephens on November 01, 2021, 08:06:45 AM
Suspect Coors Blvd was once viewed as the W section of that long dead beltway idea. The original I-40 / Coors interchange (1961) had some elements that hinted at limited access extensions both N and S along Coors, that of course never happened. It's replacement (2003) struggled to fit into an area that had literally become overwhelmed by growth.
Too much tribalism, and fiefdoms for something like a beltway to ever happen. If by some miracle, it could happen, would run it from just W of the S I-25 Rio Grande Bridge, curving in an arc to meet I-40 at the hypothetical full stack at I-40. Then following Paseo del Volcan alignment to the NNE, finally reaching I-25 again in Bernalillo. Interstate 425.
That's exactly what I would envision, and the state already owns the ROW from I-40 to US-550 for the proposed Northwest Loop (aka Paseo Del Volcan). The trouble will be in securing the ROW south of I-40 and north of US-550, as any freeway would cut through Native American land and land that's part of the old Spanish land grants.
Quote from: abqtraveler on November 01, 2021, 03:39:03 PM
Quote from: DJStephens on November 01, 2021, 08:06:45 AM
Suspect Coors Blvd was once viewed as the W section of that long dead beltway idea. The original I-40 / Coors interchange (1961) had some elements that hinted at limited access extensions both N and S along Coors, that of course never happened. It's replacement (2003) struggled to fit into an area that had literally become overwhelmed by growth.
Too much tribalism, and fiefdoms for something like a beltway to ever happen. If by some miracle, it could happen, would run it from just W of the S I-25 Rio Grande Bridge, curving in an arc to meet I-40 at the hypothetical full stack at I-40. Then following Paseo del Volcan alignment to the NNE, finally reaching I-25 again in Bernalillo. Interstate 425.
That's exactly what I would envision, and the state already owns the ROW from I-40 to US-550 for the proposed Northwest Loop (aka Paseo Del Volcan). The trouble will be in securing the ROW south of I-40 and north of US-550, as any freeway would cut through Native American land and land that's part of the old Spanish land grants.
The Northwest Loop and Paseo del Volcan are two completely different roads / proposed roads. Both exist as stubs off of US 550 but the Northwest Loop is planned to parallel Paseo del Volcan to the west of the West Mesa and will have an interchange with I-40 just to the east of exit 140 / the Rio Puerco bridge.
Quote from: aboges26 on November 11, 2021, 03:30:29 PM
Quote from: abqtraveler on November 01, 2021, 03:39:03 PM
Quote from: DJStephens on November 01, 2021, 08:06:45 AM
Suspect Coors Blvd was once viewed as the W section of that long dead beltway idea. The original I-40 / Coors interchange (1961) had some elements that hinted at limited access extensions both N and S along Coors, that of course never happened. It's replacement (2003) struggled to fit into an area that had literally become overwhelmed by growth.
Too much tribalism, and fiefdoms for something like a beltway to ever happen. If by some miracle, it could happen, would run it from just W of the S I-25 Rio Grande Bridge, curving in an arc to meet I-40 at the hypothetical full stack at I-40. Then following Paseo del Volcan alignment to the NNE, finally reaching I-25 again in Bernalillo. Interstate 425.
That's exactly what I would envision, and the state already owns the ROW from I-40 to US-550 for the proposed Northwest Loop (aka Paseo Del Volcan). The trouble will be in securing the ROW south of I-40 and north of US-550, as any freeway would cut through Native American land and land that's part of the old Spanish land grants.
The Northwest Loop and Paseo del Volcan are two completely different roads / proposed roads. Both exist as stubs off of US 550 but the Northwest Loop is planned to parallel Paseo del Volcan to the west of the West Mesa and will have an interchange with I-40 just to the east of exit 140 / the Rio Puerco bridge.
Unser Blvd is yet another "quasi" expressway that could have been more. So neither NW Loop or Paseo del Volcan are envisioned to have a true limited access build out? Stub outs, sounds like a future at grade intersection, that will be smothered by growth. Not surprising. Probably impossible, with today's mentalities, but would construct a Freeway segment directly atop US 550 / NM 44 to properly connect to I-25. Six lanes, MSE walls, elevated, with parallel frontages. Have not been up there in years, know that there was some type of scoping, at one point, to re-construct the US 550 / NM 44 interchange with I-25. It likely was scaled back or was back-burnered. Again, not surprising.
They threw up a fairly good SPUI at I-25 and US 550 in the mid teens. Probably stuck with that for a while now.
Quote from: DJStephens on November 12, 2021, 08:41:44 PM
Quote from: aboges26 on November 11, 2021, 03:30:29 PM
Quote from: abqtraveler on November 01, 2021, 03:39:03 PM
Quote from: DJStephens on November 01, 2021, 08:06:45 AM
Suspect Coors Blvd was once viewed as the W section of that long dead beltway idea. The original I-40 / Coors interchange (1961) had some elements that hinted at limited access extensions both N and S along Coors, that of course never happened. It's replacement (2003) struggled to fit into an area that had literally become overwhelmed by growth.
Too much tribalism, and fiefdoms for something like a beltway to ever happen. If by some miracle, it could happen, would run it from just W of the S I-25 Rio Grande Bridge, curving in an arc to meet I-40 at the hypothetical full stack at I-40. Then following Paseo del Volcan alignment to the NNE, finally reaching I-25 again in Bernalillo. Interstate 425.
That's exactly what I would envision, and the state already owns the ROW from I-40 to US-550 for the proposed Northwest Loop (aka Paseo Del Volcan). The trouble will be in securing the ROW south of I-40 and north of US-550, as any freeway would cut through Native American land and land that's part of the old Spanish land grants.
The Northwest Loop and Paseo del Volcan are two completely different roads / proposed roads. Both exist as stubs off of US 550 but the Northwest Loop is planned to parallel Paseo del Volcan to the west of the West Mesa and will have an interchange with I-40 just to the east of exit 140 / the Rio Puerco bridge.
Unser Blvd is yet another "quasi" expressway that could have been more. So neither NW Loop or Paseo del Volcan are envisioned to have a true limited access build out? Stub outs, sounds like a future at grade intersection, that will be smothered by growth. Not surprising. Probably impossible, with today's mentalities, but would construct a Freeway segment directly atop US 550 / NM 44 to properly connect to I-25. Six lanes, MSE walls, elevated, with parallel frontages. Have not been up there in years, know that there was some type of scoping, at one point, to re-construct the US 550 / NM 44 interchange with I-25. It likely was scaled back or was back-burnered. Again, not surprising.
Surprisingly no, the ROW is preserved for both Paseo del Norte and the Northwest Loop for an ultimate freeway build out. The parcel maps I saw have ROW preserved for a full stack at I-40 for the NW Loop. The NW Loop ROW largely got donated / set aside by developers and is a long way off from construction, but I do know utilities are or will soon be utilizing a portion of the corridor near I-40.
Unser I believe also has enough ROW to eventually get comfortably upgraded to freeway in its northern end and in the I-40 area it seems squeezing it in Texas-style may have been the plan at one point. NMDOT has a book and they sure stick to it, they seem to like making 6 lane at-grades with a modicum of access control instead of going to a 4 lane freeway for the sake of safety and pollution reduction on high traffic corridors.
US 550 in Bernalillo really grinds my gears, this reconstruction is (maybe "was" now) taking forever just to keep the traffic lights. Texas could have built the entire thing as a freeway in a year. Not sure if there was any scaled back plans or if that is the ultimate plan for the next rebuild in 10 years, or if that would be reserved for after increasing to 8 lanes.
Quote from: triplemultiplex on November 12, 2021, 10:28:41 PM
They threw up a fairly good SPUI at I-25 and US 550 in the mid teens. Probably stuck with that for a while now.
SPUIs tend to get turned into DDIs, so its probable that will be the next configuration in 10 years. Depends on how many Californians end up moving in and staying.
Quote from: aboges26 on November 30, 2021, 11:17:22 PM
Quote from: triplemultiplex on November 12, 2021, 10:28:41 PM
They threw up a fairly good SPUI at I-25 and US 550 in the mid teens. Probably stuck with that for a while now.
SPUIs tend to get turned into DDIs, so its probable that will be the next configuration in 10 years. Depends on how many Californians end up moving in and staying.
As much as I wish 550 were a freeway through Bernalillo, the 550/25 interchange seems as good a place as ever to build a DDI. Functionally it's a very similar interchange to I-15/US 91 in Brigham City UT, where there is a new-ish DDI that works great in my experience.
Quote from: aboges26 on November 30, 2021, 11:16:08 PM
US 550 in Bernalillo really grinds my gears, this reconstruction is (maybe "was" now) taking forever just to keep the traffic lights. Texas could have built the entire thing as a freeway in a year. Not sure if there was any scaled back plans or if that is the ultimate plan for the next rebuild in 10 years, or if that would be reserved for after increasing to 8 lanes.
Don't even get me started on that bullshit. I always get routed behind the casino. It should be a full freeway with direct connect ramps to I-25.
Speaking of needed improvements in ABQ area I-40 needs to be at least six lanes to Edgewood and I'd argue Moriarty.
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on December 02, 2021, 12:54:34 PM
Quote from: aboges26 on November 30, 2021, 11:16:08 PM
US 550 in Bernalillo really grinds my gears, this reconstruction is (maybe "was" now) taking forever just to keep the traffic lights. Texas could have built the entire thing as a freeway in a year. Not sure if there was any scaled back plans or if that is the ultimate plan for the next rebuild in 10 years, or if that would be reserved for after increasing to 8 lanes.
Don't even get me started on that bullshit. I always get routed behind the casino. It should be a full freeway with direct connect ramps to I-25.
Speaking of needed improvements in ABQ area I-40 needs to be at least six lanes to Edgewood and I'd argue Moriarty.
There is a six lane cross-section E of Albu all the way to NM - 14. An additional EB climbing lane further east would be useful. To the crest of Sedillo Hill. Am not sure if an additional WB lane is warranted from Moriarty to NM - 14. The Edgewood early 00's interchange "redo" is horrible and needs to be ripped out and redone properly. Doing it on the Cheap. Absolute Crap.
Quote from: DJStephens on December 02, 2021, 10:49:34 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on December 02, 2021, 12:54:34 PM
Quote from: aboges26 on November 30, 2021, 11:16:08 PM
US 550 in Bernalillo really grinds my gears, this reconstruction is (maybe "was" now) taking forever just to keep the traffic lights. Texas could have built the entire thing as a freeway in a year. Not sure if there was any scaled back plans or if that is the ultimate plan for the next rebuild in 10 years, or if that would be reserved for after increasing to 8 lanes.
Don't even get me started on that bullshit. I always get routed behind the casino. It should be a full freeway with direct connect ramps to I-25.
Speaking of needed improvements in ABQ area I-40 needs to be at least six lanes to Edgewood and I'd argue Moriarty.
There is a six lane cross-section E of Albu all the way to NM - 14. An additional EB climbing lane further east would be useful. To the crest of Sedillo Hill. Am not sure if an additional WB lane is warranted from Moriarty to NM - 14. The Edgewood early 00's interchange "redo" is horrible and needs to be ripped out and redone properly. Doing it on the Cheap. Absolute Crap.
There was a study that NMDOT did a few years ago where they were considering adding one or two interchanges between Sedillo Hill and Edgewood. At the very least they were looking at adding a diamond interchange at NM-217/Mountain Valley Road, and perhaps a second interchange a couple of miles to the east of there. NMDOT used to have a link to the study on its old website, but it's not on the newly revamped website.
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on December 02, 2021, 12:54:34 PM
Quote from: aboges26 on November 30, 2021, 11:16:08 PM
US 550 in Bernalillo really grinds my gears, this reconstruction is (maybe "was" now) taking forever just to keep the traffic lights. Texas could have built the entire thing as a freeway in a year. Not sure if there was any scaled back plans or if that is the ultimate plan for the next rebuild in 10 years, or if that would be reserved for after increasing to 8 lanes.
Don't even get me started on that bullshit. I always get routed behind the casino. It should be a full freeway with direct connect ramps to I-25.
Speaking of needed improvements in ABQ area I-40 needs to be at least six lanes to Edgewood and I'd argue Moriarty.
With the amount of truck traffic on I-40, it is arguably necessary to six lane I-40 across NM for the sake of safety. Not sure how many lives need to be lost for this to be realized by NMDOT, but then again US 550 is notorious for its DUI and distracted driving accidents resulting in deaths of whole families and there is not even a squeak regarding safety improvements.
Quote from: aboges26 on December 17, 2021, 12:30:16 AM
With the amount of truck traffic on I-40, it is arguably necessary to six lane I-40 across NM for the sake of safety.
That seems like massive overkill. 40 gets pretty desolate the closer one gets to the state lines.
Quote from: triplemultiplex on December 22, 2021, 10:40:24 AM
Quote from: aboges26 on December 17, 2021, 12:30:16 AM
With the amount of truck traffic on I-40, it is arguably necessary to six lane I-40 across NM for the sake of safety.
That seems like massive overkill. 40 gets pretty desolate the closer one gets to the state lines.
I mean I certainly wouldn't be complaining if we added a third lane each way on all of our interstates but yeah there's probably better uses of that money. I-40 does need more six laning though in NM particularly around Albuquerque.
Outside of the Albuquerque SMSA, a few climbing lanes in a few places on I - 40 would be enough. One outside the current EB lanes to the top of Sedillo Hill would be first on the list.
Another place a climbing lane would be useful is on I-10 WB climbing out of the Rio Grande Valley W of las Cruces. The one that exists there now, starts half way up the hill and ends abruptly before an antiquated interchange with US - 70. An antiquated interchange, that will be eventually rebuilt in a regressive fashion.
Seems their too busy spreading fairy dust, or painting rainbows to fix issues like this.
Quote from: DJStephens on December 22, 2021, 09:22:22 PM
Outside of the Albuquerque SMSA, a few climbing lanes in a few places on I - 40 would be enough. One outside the current EB lanes to the top of Sedillo Hill would be first on the list.
Another place a climbing lane would be useful is on I-10 WB climbing out of the Rio Grande Valley W of las Cruces. The one that exists there now, starts half way up the hill and ends abruptly before an antiquated interchange with US - 70. An antiquated interchange, that will be eventually rebuilt in a regressive fashion.
Seems their too busy spreading fairy dust, or painting rainbows to fix issues like this.
There's a lot of things that NMDOT could do to improve its highways, from a safety perspective. For a state that ranks near the top for fatal highway crashes (per capita), it blows my mind that NMDOT can't even pursue simple, low-cost solutions such as cable barriers along its freeways and 4-lane highways to reduce the number of fatal head-on collisions.
Bumping this thread because I found the NMDOT's project website (https://www.nmdotprojects.org/) where one of the projects listed is "I-25 Improved (http://i25improved.com/) | Comanche to Montgomery".
The project is about to be advertised to bidders later this year with final design and construction starting next year (2023).
Looking at the project plans, I wish it had gone 1 mile further north to the Jefferson Street exit. There is a lot of traffic during rush hours with many people turning onto Pan American NB/SB. The Jefferson Street overpass bridge is narrow and only allows 2 through lanes and 1 left turn lane in each direction.
Thankfully, the project adds Texas-style turnarounds to both Comanche and Montgomery. This is something that should have been added to all interchanges along I-25 & Pan American. Jefferson really needs a turnaround.
Also listed on the project website is "I-25 and Gibson Boulevard Interchange Reconstruction" which is in the study and design phase with the description "Reconstruct I-25 and Gibson Blvd interchange with bridge replacement and auxiliary lanes." There is no dedicated website for that planned project.
Does anyone know the current construction progress of the Sunport Blvd. extension? The traffic signals at the I-25 and Sunport interchange have been in all-way flash mode for over a year. A BernCo public works webpage (https://www.bernco.gov/public-works/blog/2021/04/16/sunport-boulevard-extension-interchange-project/)says the project started last September and will conclude in 18 months (Spring 2023).
Quote from: abqtraveler on October 20, 2021, 10:00:11 AM
And from what I'm seeing, it looks like NMDOT is going to take a very piecemeal approach to dealing with the S-curve. The first project will permanently close the NB offramp to MLK Boulevard and extend the lane from the Lead/Coal onramp to the Lomas exit.
It looks like your prediction came true. KRQE News just reported (https://www.krqe.com/news/new-mexico/nmdot-getting-rid-of-obsolete-i-25-northbound-mlk-exit/) today that the MLK offramp from NB I-25 will be closed by early August. The auxiliary (exit only) lane to the Lomas exit will then be extended south to just north of the Lead Ave overpass (the NB bridge doesn't support more than 3 lanes).
Quote from: aboges26 on December 17, 2021, 12:30:16 AM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on December 02, 2021, 12:54:34 PM
Quote from: aboges26 on November 30, 2021, 11:16:08 PM
US 550 in Bernalillo really grinds my gears, this reconstruction is (maybe "was" now) taking forever just to keep the traffic lights. Texas could have built the entire thing as a freeway in a year. Not sure if there was any scaled back plans or if that is the ultimate plan for the next rebuild in 10 years, or if that would be reserved for after increasing to 8 lanes.
Don't even get me started on that bullshit. I always get routed behind the casino. It should be a full freeway with direct connect ramps to I-25.
Speaking of needed improvements in ABQ area I-40 needs to be at least six lanes to Edgewood and I'd argue Moriarty.
With the amount of truck traffic on I-40, it is arguably necessary to six lane I-40 across NM for the sake of safety. Not sure how many lives need to be lost for this to be realized by NMDOT, but then again US 550 is notorious for its DUI and distracted driving accidents resulting in deaths of whole families and there is not even a squeak regarding safety improvements.
I agree about the need to 6 lane 40 across the state.
I took 40 from Grants to ABQ Airport on a Sunday afternoon, and it was one of the scariest drives of my life, because of the combination of aggressive car drivers and very heavy truck traffic.
At the very least, they need to 3 lane the portions of 40 that go up hills, so there's an easier way to pass slower trucks.
I also feel 75 MPH is too high of a speed limit, because of the up and down terrain.
Quote from: jtespi on July 07, 2022, 12:17:47 AM
It looks like your prediction came true. KRQE News just reported (https://www.krqe.com/news/new-mexico/nmdot-getting-rid-of-obsolete-i-25-northbound-mlk-exit/) today that the MLK offramp from NB I-25 will be closed by early August. The auxiliary (exit only) lane to the Lomas exit will then be extended south to just north of the Lead Ave overpass (the NB bridge doesn't support more than 3 lanes).
That'll be a huge improvement to I-25 in that area. the onramp from Lead/Coal is already very short and the offramp to MLK even shorter. I've seen a lot of crashes happen in that spot, and even when there's not a crash, traffic always rubbernecks through the Lead/Coal/MLK area because of all the weaving that happens with the closely-spaced ramps.
Quote from: abqtraveler on December 30, 2021, 01:03:55 AM
There's a lot of things that NMDOT could do to improve its highways, from a safety perspective. For a state that ranks near the top for fatal highway crashes (per capita), it blows my mind that NMDOT can't even pursue simple, low-cost solutions such as cable barriers along its freeways and 4-lane highways to reduce the number of fatal head-on collisions.
There have been cable barriers installed in a FEW places. I-10 and I-25, in the las Cruces area, both feature a very narrow median, that was just gravel for decades, have had alternating single cable barriers installed. Both the 10 and 25 ROW's have plenty of room on the outside of the mainlines, have no idea why they didn't build the las Cruces interstates in the first place with more mainline separation. There is close to a 300' to '350 wide ROW for 25 N-S through the city, it could have been reconstructed, in stages, with a wider median and greater horizontal clearances as the original interchanges were rebuilt. Along with conversion to ONE way frontage. Nope - foresight, planning, what's that??
A double cable barrier was retroactively installed on the four lane "quasi" semi-expressway US 70 segment E of 25 in more recent times. Have to wonder, wouldn't it been about the same expense, to go with the double faced CBR in the median, instead of a fragile single or double cable barrier?? Both the 25 and US 70 cable barriers have had numerous hits, and likely full conversion to concrete double faced CBR should have been pursued, instead of constant maintenance of the cable barriers. Regardless, if the cable barriers have at least saved one life, am in support of them.
Yeah, New Mexico needs to add cable barriers to more of its divided highways. It's not like there is a lot of them state-wide. Cable barriers may be an optional or discretional feature for Interstate highways divided by large medians. For divided highways where the median is narrow the cable barriers are far more beneficial. Here in Oklahoma ODOT is adding cable barriers along more miles of divided US and state highways, not just Interstates. Part of OK-7 between Lawton and Duncan has cable barriers in the median.
I personally would like to see cable barriers added to the US-64/87 highway from Texline to Raton. That four lane highway is a better than nothing upgrade from the prior 2 lane version. The previous 2-lane version of the road was very frustrating to drive, especially in daylight hours when slow pokes (often in RVs) would cause big traffic back-ups. The 4-lane version could have been built better. Aside from the road quality the median is pretty narrow most of the way. There isn't much terrain at all for a vehicle out of control to cross into opposing lanes of traffic.
Quote from: Bobby5280 on August 01, 2022, 07:49:16 PM
Yeah, New Mexico needs to add cable barriers to more of its divided highways. It's not like there is a lot of them state-wide. Cable barriers may be an optional or discretional feature for Interstate highways divided by large medians. For divided highways where the median is narrow the cable barriers are far more beneficial. Here in Oklahoma ODOT is adding cable barriers along more miles of divided US and state highways, not just Interstates. Part of OK-7 between Lawton and Duncan has cable barriers in the median.
I personally would like to see cable barriers added to the US-64/87 highway from Texline to Raton. That four lane highway is a better than nothing upgrade from the prior 2 lane version. The previous 2-lane version of the road was very frustrating to drive, especially in daylight hours when slow pokes (often in RVs) would cause big traffic back-ups. The 4-lane version could have been built better. Aside from the road quality the median is pretty narrow most of the way. There isn't much terrain at all for a vehicle out of control to cross into opposing lanes of traffic.
US Highway 550 comes to mind as a prime candidate for cable barriers, as it has been the scene of many gruesome crashes, particularly from Cuba to Bloomfield. A lot of those crashes were the fatal crossover type and involved drunk drivers. They made a huge mistake when they 4-laned 550 as they simply widened the pavement to accommodate 4 lanes, with no physical median, save for a pair of rumble strips down the center of the roadway.
Unfortunately, NMDOT has no plans in either the upcoming letting schedule or in the 3-year STIP to add more cable barriers to any of its highways. It appears that the only projects NMDOT has on the drawing board are mostly preservation of the existing highway system, with a few targeted capital improvements, such as widening US-285 from Carlsbad to Texas and improvements to other roads in the Oil Patch.
Even two major projects slated for I-25 in Albuquerque: the rebuild of the interchange at Gibson Boulevard and Montgomery Boulevard continue to slip to the right due to the lack of funding and growing costs for both.
All of this of course in a state that constantly has more road improvement needs than there's money to go around. New Mexico is one of those states that doesn't borrow money to fund highway projects, so it relies solely on their allotment of federal funds and whatever it takes in from the state's fuel tax of 17 cents, which is among the lowest in the country. The New Mexico Legislature has had no appetite for raising the fuel tax, or indexing it to the price of gas.
The latest Google Street View Imagery (https://goo.gl/maps/nvkqmbz6wL3WYoef7) from November 2022 shows the final completed auxiliary lane from the Lead Ave onramp to the Lomas Blvd offramp on I-25 northbound. The work starts at the north end of the Central Ave bridge and goes 200 m (655 ft) north to the sign bridge just south of the Dr. MLK Jr Ave bridge.
It came out not too bad except for the super tiny sign with squished text seen at the Lead Ave onramp (Street View link).
Quote from: jtespi on January 19, 2023, 05:40:30 AM
The latest Google Street View Imagery (https://goo.gl/maps/nvkqmbz6wL3WYoef7) from November 2022 shows the final completed auxiliary lane from the Lead Ave onramp to the Lomas Blvd offramp on I-25 northbound. The work starts at the north end of the Central Ave bridge and goes 200 m (655 ft) north to the sign bridge just south of the Dr. MLK Jr Ave bridge.
It came out not too bad except for the super tiny sign with squished text seen at the Lead Ave onramp (Street View link).
They did a nice job of eliminating the MLK offramp and extending the auxiliary lane from Lead/Coal to Lomas, and traffic seems to flow a lot more smoothly through that area. The New Mexico Legislature is in session right now, and with the state's coffers currently flush with cash, it'll be interesting to see what projects to fix I-25 through Albuquerque will get funded this year. I doubt a straightening of the dreaded S-curve between Lead/Coal and Caesar Chavez will get funded, but I'm hoping the state can use some of this year's windfall to get shovels in the ground on the I-25/Montgomery interchange or the interchange at Gibson.
On a separate note, I flew out of the Sunport last week, and the extension of Sunport Boulevard from I-25 to Broadway is taking shape. The roadbed is pretty much graded, and it looked like they were setting the concrete beams for a bridge that will carry Sunport Boulevard over Edmond Street and the South Diversion Channel.
Quote from: abqtraveler on January 23, 2023, 09:30:42 PM
Quote from: jtespi on January 19, 2023, 05:40:30 AM
The latest Google Street View Imagery (https://goo.gl/maps/nvkqmbz6wL3WYoef7) from November 2022 shows the final completed auxiliary lane from the Lead Ave onramp to the Lomas Blvd offramp on I-25 northbound. The work starts at the north end of the Central Ave bridge and goes 200 m (655 ft) north to the sign bridge just south of the Dr. MLK Jr Ave bridge.
It came out not too bad except for the super tiny sign with squished text seen at the Lead Ave onramp (Street View link).
They did a nice job of eliminating the MLK offramp and extending the auxiliary lane from Lead/Coal to Lomas, and traffic seems to flow a lot more smoothly through that area. The New Mexico Legislature is in session right now, and with the state's coffers currently flush with cash, it'll be interesting to see what projects to fix I-25 through Albuquerque will get funded this year. I doubt a straightening of the dreaded S-curve between Lead/Coal and Caesar Chavez will get funded, but I'm hoping the state can use some of this year's windfall to get shovels in the ground on the I-25/Montgomery interchange or the interchange at Gibson.
Nice job? Hardly. Am guessing? they eliminated the Left shoulder and shrunk the "lanes" down to 11 foot width. The ancient original raised asphalt shoulder is visible on the right. Typical cost-cutting or "value engineering". Does the FHWA simply wave away the elimination of shoulders now? On an Interstate? Yes it's been done before, in Austin, and also El Paso. And it's not a good trend.
This entire stretch of 25, S of Indian School, to S of Gibson, should have been done at roughly the same time as the "big I" project. It has been over 20 YEARS since that was completed. Depressed, straightened, and main lanes decked over in the Central/Lead/Coal environs. A perfect response to the "greenie" and progressive element. 10 lane cross section, at the bottom of the trench.
They did spend probably $15 to $20 million (circa '01) to "hump" 25 over Lomas to connect the Big I project to the ancient fifties raised alignment in front of Presbyterian Hospital. That's known as a "throwaway" element. Locking in of obsolescence is a better theme.
Personally worked on the Presbyterian Hospital expansion roughly twenty years ago. McCarthy was the General contractor, a feature of the project was the arched balcony visible in the google street view.
Quote from: DJStephens on January 27, 2023, 09:16:08 PM
Quote from: abqtraveler on January 23, 2023, 09:30:42 PM
Quote from: jtespi on January 19, 2023, 05:40:30 AM
The latest Google Street View Imagery (https://goo.gl/maps/nvkqmbz6wL3WYoef7) from November 2022 shows the final completed auxiliary lane from the Lead Ave onramp to the Lomas Blvd offramp on I-25 northbound. The work starts at the north end of the Central Ave bridge and goes 200 m (655 ft) north to the sign bridge just south of the Dr. MLK Jr Ave bridge.
It came out not too bad except for the super tiny sign with squished text seen at the Lead Ave onramp (Street View link).
They did a nice job of eliminating the MLK offramp and extending the auxiliary lane from Lead/Coal to Lomas, and traffic seems to flow a lot more smoothly through that area. The New Mexico Legislature is in session right now, and with the state's coffers currently flush with cash, it'll be interesting to see what projects to fix I-25 through Albuquerque will get funded this year. I doubt a straightening of the dreaded S-curve between Lead/Coal and Caesar Chavez will get funded, but I'm hoping the state can use some of this year's windfall to get shovels in the ground on the I-25/Montgomery interchange or the interchange at Gibson.
Nice job? Hardly. Am guessing? they eliminated the Left shoulder and shrunk the "lanes" down to 11 foot width. The ancient original raised asphalt shoulder is visible on the right. Typical cost-cutting or "value engineering". Does the FHWA simply wave away the elimination of shoulders now? On an Interstate? Yes it's been done before, in Austin, and also El Paso. And it's not a good trend.
This entire stretch of 25, S of Indian School, to S of Gibson, should have been done at roughly the same time as the "big I" project. It has been over 20 YEARS since that was completed. Depressed, straightened, and main lanes decked over in the Central/Lead/Coal environs. A perfect response to the "greenie" and progressive element. 10 lane cross section, at the bottom of the trench.
They did spend probably $15 to $20 million (circa '01) to "hump" 25 over Lomas to connect the Big I project to the ancient fifties raised alignment in front of Presbyterian Hospital. That's known as a "throwaway" element. Locking in of obsolescence is a better theme.
Personally worked on the Presbyterian Hospital expansion roughly twenty years ago. McCarthy was the General contractor, a feature of the project was the arched balcony visible in the google street view.
Given that they did eliminate the MLK offramp and extended the auxiliary lane to Lomas on a shoestring budget (around $3 million was the awarded amount for the contract), it came out pretty well IMHO. Another element that is less talked about, but needless to say a major improvement, is the Oak Street frontage road will now be two lanes all the way through from Lead/Coal north to Lomas, instead of necking down to one lane where the old MLK offramp merged in.
All valid points, thanks for posting. Still can't wrap head around - $500 to $600 million for a "pet train", $200 to $250 million for a "fantasy spaceport" and $100 to $150 million to destroy Central Avenue. To benefit a handful of elites, celebrities, and the rich. Simply can't understand it. While failing to properly fix and modernize EXISTING highways.
Quote from: DJStephens on January 30, 2023, 09:35:12 PM
All valid points, thanks for posting. Still can't wrap head around - $500 to $600 million for a "pet train", $200 to $250 million for a "fantasy spaceport" and $100 to $150 million to destroy Central Avenue. To benefit a handful of elites, celebrities, and the rich. Simply can't understand it. While failing to properly fix and modernize EXISTING highways.
That's what happens in a state whose government ranks near the top of the list for the most corrupt in the country.
Quote from: abqtraveler on January 31, 2023, 11:34:13 AM
Quote from: DJStephens on January 30, 2023, 09:35:12 PM
All valid points, thanks for posting. Still can't wrap head around - $500 to $600 million for a "pet train", $200 to $250 million for a "fantasy spaceport" and $100 to $150 million to destroy Central Avenue. To benefit a handful of elites, celebrities, and the rich. Simply can't understand it. While failing to properly fix and modernize EXISTING highways.
That's what happens in a state whose government ranks near the top of the list for the most corrupt in the country.
I don't think there's another state whose capital and state government is so insulated and ignorant of the realities in 90% of the rest of the state, at least to the extent you see in NM.
Quote from: US 89 on January 31, 2023, 01:35:38 PM
Quote from: abqtraveler on January 31, 2023, 11:34:13 AM
Quote from: DJStephens on January 30, 2023, 09:35:12 PM
All valid points, thanks for posting. Still can't wrap head around - $500 to $600 million for a "pet train", $200 to $250 million for a "fantasy spaceport" and $100 to $150 million to destroy Central Avenue. To benefit a handful of elites, celebrities, and the rich. Simply can't understand it. While failing to properly fix and modernize EXISTING highways.
That's what happens in a state whose government ranks near the top of the list for the most corrupt in the country.
I don't think there's another state whose capital and state government is so insulated and ignorant of the realities in 90% of the rest of the state, at least to the extent you see in NM.
And they keep getting re-elected by keeping the population dumb and ignorant.
I was born in New Mexico (both of my parents were as well). But the way it sounds I'm glad my Dad joined the Marines and got us out of there.
Quote from: Bobby5280 on February 03, 2023, 10:16:40 AM
I was born in New Mexico (both of my parents were as well). But the way it sounds I'm glad my Dad joined the Marines and got us out of there.
You somehow managed to escape the Land of Entrapment! Good on you!
I've got old friends in New Mexico. They like it.
I guess it depends on where in New Mexico one chooses to live for it to be likeable. Anyone visiting the Southeast part of New Mexico might assume the state flower was the oil pump jack.
Quote from: Bobby5280 on February 03, 2023, 09:57:09 PM
I guess it depends on where in New Mexico one chooses to live for it to be likeable. Anyone visiting the Southeast part of New Mexico might assume the state flower was the oil pump jack.
My parents lived in Las Cruces for a while. They liked it.
At least Las Cruces is in a decent location, not far at all from El Paso. The mountain range East of Las Cruces is pretty scenic looking. Las Cruces is the only NM city besides Albuquerque with 2 Interstate routes. Las Cruces has also been growing; it's now the 2nd largest city in the state. Overpriced Santa Fe has fallen to 4th place.
Quote from: Bobby5280 on February 05, 2023, 12:45:54 PM
At least Las Cruces is in a decent location, not far at all from El Paso. The mountain range East of Las Cruces is pretty scenic looking. Las Cruces is the only NM city besides Albuquerque with 2 Interstate routes. Las Cruces has also been growing; it's now the 2nd largest city in the state. Overpriced Santa Fe has fallen to 4th place.
Have you been to Las Cruces?
Yes, I've been to Las Cruces quite a few times, just not recently. Las Cruces does seem like a nicer and more connected place to live than some other towns in New Mexico.
I have relatives in the Roswell, Artesia and Carlsbad areas. Those places aren't as desirable a place to live as Las Cruces. Generally there is a lot of zones across New Mexico that are really pretty trashy. I hate to say that about the state where I was born, but the truth hurts sometimes.
Southeastern New Mexico is the absolute worst. The whole region smells like toxic chemicals from all the oil wells. I'm surprised the people haven't mutated into some kind of "Hills Have Eyes" type of creatures. Felt like I was going to get cancer just by driving around for a week.
All the roads are shit from being pounded by heavy oil industry equipment. Trash alongside every road everywhere. The actual towns are unremarkable copy/pastes of each other, and you can tell NO ONE would live there if there wasn't any oil.
I just know that Roswell alien thing is bullcrap because there's no way intelligent life would purposefully pick that part of New Mexico, even if they were crashing.
"Captain Bleep-Blorp, the fulerron drive has failed! We're going down! Need to find a safe place to set down!!"
"Hey let's go for that desolate, barely habitable region with all the stinking oil wells and racist-ass redneck kooks."
"Brilliant decision, sir."
I have a couple of cringy anecdotes from my extended time in rural New Mexico related that 'racist-ass redneck kooks' part of that vignette. But this post is getting kind of long as it is. Instead I'll try and bring it back a little by saying there were plenty of places in New Mexico I liked and had a great time at. But none of those places were east or south of Roswell.
Quote from: triplemultiplex on February 06, 2023, 05:09:25 PM
Southeastern New Mexico is the absolute worst. The whole region smells like toxic chemicals from all the oil wells. I'm surprised the people haven't mutated into some kind of "Hills Have Eyes" type of creatures. Felt like I was going to get cancer just by driving around for a week.
All the roads are shit from being pounded by heavy oil industry equipment. Trash alongside every road everywhere. The actual towns are unremarkable copy/pastes of each other, and you can tell NO ONE would live there if there wasn't any oil.
I just know that Roswell alien thing is bullcrap because there's no way intelligent life would purposefully pick that part of New Mexico, even if they were crashing.
"Captain Bleep-Blorp, the fulerron drive has failed! We're going down! Need to find a safe place to set down!!"
"Hey let's go for that desolate, barely habitable region with all the stinking oil wells and racist-ass redneck kooks."
"Brilliant decision, sir."
I have a couple of cringy anecdotes from my extended time in rural New Mexico related that 'racist-ass redneck kooks' part of that vignette. But this post is getting kind of long as it is. Instead I'll try and bring it back a little by saying there were plenty of places in New Mexico I liked and had a great time at. But none of those places were east or south of Roswell.
Now, that's no way to talk about a place (NM's end of the Permian Basin) that is helping New Mexico become a much wealthier state than what it's been in the recent past. BTW, that part of New Mexico can also do clean energy: At Eunice, near the TX border, lies the USA's only uranium enrichment facility.
The downtown portion of Artesia looks pretty decent. And a decent amount of funding has gone into their high school
and football field. That's thanks in part to the tremendous amount of oil money certain local families have. Outside of the downtown area: Artesia looks like ass.
Quote from: triplemultiplexSoutheastern New Mexico is the absolute worst. The whole region smells like toxic chemicals from all the oil wells. I'm surprised the people haven't mutated into some kind of "Hills Have Eyes" type of creatures. Felt like I was going to get cancer just by driving around for a week.
The scent of natural gas, diesel and other chemicals can be pretty strong around that area. There is a lot of poverty there too. Visit any number of homes and at least some will smell like cat pee.
I do like the mountains off to the West near Alamogordo. Towns like Cloudcroft and Ruidoso can be nice to visit.
Funny you should mention the football fields; I noticed that to. Clearly that's everyone's one form of escape living in The Basin judging by how many resources they put into high school football fields.
Ruidoso was totally chill. The Sacramento Mountains stand in sharp contrast to the wastelands further east.
I liked Silver City, as another example of good rural NM. Nice little gateway to the Gila Mountains. Did some good hiking, even tried to fish.
Spent the most time in ABQ and Santa Fe, though. And I definitely had fun in those two cities.
The one area of NM I never made it to is basically everything due north of Santa Fe, so like Taos and stuff. Like the "best" part, in most people's minds. East of US 550, west of I-25, and north of Santa Fe; that's the part I didn't see.
Considering there is a lot of movie and TV production in New Mexico, I think if George Miller was to make another Mad Max sequel and had to shoot some of it in the US he could do well shooting parts in SE NM. Parts of the area pass for having a post-apocalyptic look! No extra production design needed!
Quote
This entire stretch of 25, S of Indian School, to S of Gibson, should have been done at roughly the same time as the "big I" project. It has been over 20 YEARS since that was completed. Depressed, straightened, and main lanes decked over in the Central/Lead/Coal environs. 10 lane cross section, at the bottom of the trench.
Do you envision I-25 through downtown Albuquerque being replaced with a below-grade highway or elevated albeit widened to ten lanes? I ask because in recent years, I-40 in Oklahoma City and I-70 in Denver were realigned. I-40 used to run right through downtown OKK, but in 2012 it was realigned just south of the city center (the original alignment is now a city street). And just recently, I-70 now runs below grade near downtown Denver when it used to be elevated above several surface streets (the original 1950s elevated viaduct was torn down as part of the project).
But yeah, I do agree with you that I-25 in downtown ABQ should've been rebuilt around the same time as the Big-I.
Was simply stating, that is what should have been pursued, either in conjunction with the '00-'02 big I project, or immediately afterwards. Essentially continuing the I-25 cross - section, that was rebuilt under Indian School Rd, southwards, in a depressed alignment. It would have been "decked" over, in the Lomas to Lead/Coal segment. This would have allowed "green space", Park space, parking, or other uses atop the cover. Yes am aware there would be "excess" fill, but the importance of doing this right, trumps that, imho. Money should have been borrowed, the state fuel tax raised (which I support if the agency was shaken up) or bonds issued. The bungling, and failure, to pursue this, then, and the subsequent spending of a Billion on "niche projects" illustrates the incompetence of the agency.
Quote from: DJStephens on February 11, 2023, 11:07:05 AM
Was simply stating, that is what should have been pursued, either in conjunction with the '00-'02 big I project, or immediately afterwards. Essentially continuing the I-25 cross - section, that was rebuilt under Indian School Rd, southwards, in a depressed alignment. It would have been "decked" over, in the Lomas to Lead/Coal segment. This would have allowed "green space", Park space, parking, or other uses atop the cover. Yes am aware there would be "excess" fill, but the importance of doing this right, trumps that, imho. Money should have been borrowed, the state fuel tax raised (which I support if the agency was shaken up) or bonds issued. The bungling, and failure, to pursue this, then, and the subsequent spending of a Billion on "niche projects" illustrates the incompetence of the agency.
As you may or may not know, New Mexico is a "pay as you go state" when it comes to highway projects, with the caveat that general rule only applies for the portion paid for by NMDOT. For many highway projects, local jurisdictions often contribute a portion of the funding. Localities don't have the same restriction on borrowing as the state, and I've seen on multiple occasions where the City of Albuquerque or Bernalillo County will put a bond measure on the ballot for the voters to approve or disapprove the local government taking out bonds to fund its portion of the project. That was the case with the I-25/Paseo Del Norte project years ago, where the City of Albuquerque asked to voters for $50 million in bonds to cover the city's portion of the bill, which the voters overwhelmingly approved.
Pay as you go...except federal funding is mostly by reimbursement. I'd be half-surprised if they did not stretch the rules of "pay as you go" accordingly.
Quote from: abqtraveler on February 12, 2023, 12:18:31 PM
the local government taking out bongs
We finally have an explanation for New Mexico signage practices.
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 12, 2023, 07:17:29 PM
Quote from: abqtraveler on February 12, 2023, 12:18:31 PM
the local government taking out bongs
We finally have an explanation for New Mexico signage practices.
Sorry...fat fingers got the best of me again!
Quote from: abqtraveler on December 30, 2021, 01:03:55 AM
There have been cable barriers installed in a FEW places. I-10 and I-25, in the las Cruces area, both feature a very narrow median, that was just gravel for decades, have had alternating single cable barriers installed. Both the 10 and 25 ROW's have plenty of room on the outside of the mainlines, have no idea why they didn't build the las Cruces interstates in the first place with more mainline separation. There is close to a 300' to '350 wide ROW for 25 N-S through the city, it could have been reconstructed, in stages, with a wider median and greater horizontal clearances as the original interchanges were rebuilt. Along with conversion to ONE way frontage. Nope - foresight, planning, what's that??
A double cable barrier was retroactively installed on the four lane "quasi" semi-expressway US 70 segment E of 25 in more recent times. Have to wonder, wouldn't it been about the same expense, to go with the double faced CBR in the median, instead of a fragile single or double cable barrier?? Both the 25 and US 70 cable barriers have had numerous hits, and likely full conversion to concrete double faced CBR should have been pursued, instead of constant maintenance of the cable barriers. Regardless, if the cable barriers have at least saved one life, am in support of them.
I-25 also has cable barriers on the stretch between Albuquerque and Santa Fe (except for the part near Santa Fe where tracks for the Rail Runner Express commuter train run in the median). I think I-40 could use some barrier along the rural stretches in NM because of the heavy truck traffic, especially in areas where the median is less than 50 feet wide.
It looks like NMDOT is finally starting to think about addressing the dreaded S-Curve on I-25 between Central Avenue and Gibson Boulevard in Albuquerque.
https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/nmdot-seeks-public-input-on-rebuilding-problematic-s-curve-on-i-25/
Quote from: abqtraveler on November 16, 2023, 08:32:14 AM
It looks like NMDOT is finally starting to think about addressing the dreaded S-Curve on I-25 between Central Avenue and Gibson Boulevard in Albuquerque.
https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/nmdot-seeks-public-input-on-rebuilding-problematic-s-curve-on-i-25/
Viewing the KKOB aerial photo, it is glaringly obvious the road needs to be straightened, and moved E in the Curve area. Moving it away from residential properties to the W. Yes the APS facilities need to be relocated, from the current site, and then the current structures demolished. The cemetery to the E needs to be relocated and possibly "merged" into the cemetery on the W side. By shifting the entire 25 eastward, in the Stadium Blvd interchange area, more open space is created to the W side of the highway. More space for an enlarged cemetery. There is precedence for exhumation and reburial. The entire section - N of Lomas to Gibson needs to be trenched, straightened, and widened. A significant length of 25 could be decked over, from Lomas, to just N of Stadium. So obvious.
If they can do a widening and straightening project on that portion of I-25 it really needs to include inner and outer shoulders that are actually compliant with modern Interstate standards. The shoulders on the current CanAm highway really suck.
Quote from: DJStephens on December 02, 2023, 12:35:59 AM
Quote from: abqtraveler on November 16, 2023, 08:32:14 AM
It looks like NMDOT is finally starting to think about addressing the dreaded S-Curve on I-25 between Central Avenue and Gibson Boulevard in Albuquerque.
https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/nmdot-seeks-public-input-on-rebuilding-problematic-s-curve-on-i-25/
Viewing the KKOB aerial photo, it is glaringly obvious the road needs to be straightened, and moved E in the Curve area. Moving it away from residential properties to the W. Yes the APS facilities need to be relocated, from the current site, and then the current structures demolished. The cemetery to the E needs to be relocated and possibly "merged" into the cemetery on the W side. By shifting the entire 25 eastward, in the Stadium Blvd interchange area, more open space is created to the W side of the highway. More space for an enlarged cemetery. There is precedence for exhumation and reburial. The entire section - N of Lomas to Gibson needs to be trenched, straightened, and widened. A significant length of 25 could be decked over, from Lomas, to just N of Stadium. So obvious.
I don't think Albuquerque Public Schools would object to relocating its maintenance complex, provided that someone other than APS is paying the bill for that. While it's technically possible to relocate one of the cemeteries adjacent to the highway near the Gibson interchange, you can sure expect a fight from relatives/descendants of those buried there. Finally, there's the South Diversion Channel that runs parallel to the freeway between Caesar Chavez and Gibson.
Perhaps a silver lining, the Motel 6 at the I-25 and Caesar Chavez, which has been a hotbed for criminal activity and drug trafficking, would likely be demolished as part of such a project.
Quote from: Bobby5280 on December 02, 2023, 08:52:51 PM
If they can do a widening and straightening project on that portion of I-25 it really needs to include inner and outer shoulders that are actually compliant with modern Interstate standards. The shoulders on the current CanAm highway really suck.
There are still mostly in their late fifties state. A kind of low mountable curb, just outside the white stripe, and a narrow raised asphalt shoulder to the guardrail. Appears barely eight feet wide. There are little to no shoulders, inside or outside, on the elevated section just W of Presbyterian Hospital. Antiquated.
Quote from: DJStephens on December 06, 2023, 10:07:52 AM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on December 02, 2023, 08:52:51 PM
If they can do a widening and straightening project on that portion of I-25 it really needs to include inner and outer shoulders that are actually compliant with modern Interstate standards. The shoulders on the current CanAm highway really suck.
There are still mostly in their late fifties state. A kind of low mountable curb, just outside the white stripe, and a narrow raised asphalt shoulder to the guardrail. Appears barely eight feet wide. There are little to no shoulders, inside or outside, on the elevated section just W of Presbyterian Hospital. Antiquated.
The stretch of I-25 through the S-curve between Central and Gibson is definitely pre-interstate or very early interstate-era design and doesn't meet modern standards. Looking at historicaerials.com, that stretch was built some time between 1959 and 1967. A section of I-25 between Central and the Big-I was under construction by 1959, as was the first two lanes of the freeway from Menaul Boulevard northward.
The reconstruction of I-25 between the Big-I and Jefferson, including reconfiguring the interchanges at Comanche and Montgomery will kick off in July. After the Montgomery/Comanche interchanges are done, NMDOT will shift to reconstructing the interchange at Gibson Blvd, starting in 2027.
https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/which-i-25-exits-expect-to-see-construction-start-in-july/
https://www.i25gibson.com/schedule