This project is dedicated to significantly improving 118th Street SW, stretching from Dennis Chavez Blvd SW to Amole Mesa Ave SW. The primary goal is to boost functionality and address critical safety issues that currently affect this vital corridor. 118th Street serves as a key route for local residents, particularly those living in adjacent neighborhoods who regularly travel between residential zones and important community hubs like Atrisco Heritage High School and George Sanchez Middle School.
Currently, 118th Street presents considerable challenges for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles alike, creating conflicts and safety concerns. To mitigate these issues, the project is exploring several enhancements including the addition of sidewalks, a multi-use trail, improved bike lanes, medians, and landscaping. These improvements are crucial for creating a safer environment for community members, especially students who walk to and from the nearby schools. Furthermore, the introduction of landscaping is intended to deter illegal dumping by restricting access to the mesa area. Currently, while sidewalks exist on the eastern side of 118th St, they do not provide continuous connectivity to Dennis Chavez, and the western side of the street lacks any pedestrian facilities.
Aerial view of 118th Street in Albuquerque, highlighting the surrounding residential areas and mesa, with emphasis on the planned improvement zone between Dennis Chavez Blvd SW and Amole Mesa Ave SW, showcasing the need for enhanced pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure.
Project History and Development
The initiative to improve 118th Street gained momentum in 2020 when City Councilor Klarissa Peña secured funding for a comprehensive transportation study. This study encompassed a detailed traffic analysis, a thorough safety audit, and an evaluation of potential improvements designed to remedy identified deficiencies. The study further aimed to rank three distinct improvement alternatives and recommend a preferred option moving forward. The study officially commenced in early 2021, marking the formal beginning of this project.
A public meeting was conducted via Zoom on April 27, 2021, to present the draft report outlining the three proposed alternatives to the community. This virtual forum was crucial for gathering input and feedback from residents and stakeholders, ensuring community voices were heard in the planning process. Residents were encouraged to submit their comments and feedback by May 11, 2021, via email to [email protected].
Project Costs and Timeline
The ultimate construction cost for the 118th Street project is contingent upon the selection of a preferred improvement alternative. Detailed cost estimates for each of the three alternatives are available in the project presentation and report documents, accessible via the links provided earlier.
Looking ahead, once a preferred alternative is officially decided upon, securing funding for both the design and construction phases will be the next critical step. The overall project timeline will be significantly influenced by the availability and acquisition of the necessary funding.
Project Contact Information
For any inquiries or further information regarding the 118th Street Improvement Project, please contact:
Diane Dolan, Special Projects Analyst
City Council Services
505-452-7669 (mobile)
