Phasing/Background

Phasing

As Albuquerque's west side continues to grow, both Paseo del Norte NW and Unser Blvd. NW function as important regional arterial roadways, gathering traffic from all four corners of the Northwest Mesa. Traffic delays often occur on the existing two-lane roadway sections of Paseo del Norte and Unser Boulevard, and expansion is needed to accommodate existing and planned growth in this area.

These projects are intended to improve safety and traffic flow by widening both roadways to four lanes to reduce congestion and provide enhanced multi-modal transportation options for pedestrians, bicyclists and potential future transit.

Design is now at 90% on both the Unser Blvd. Widening Project (also known as the Unser Blvd. Gap Widening Project) and the Paseo del Norte Widening Project.  Design and right-of-way acquisition is expected to be completed in summer 2024 and contractor selection is expected in fall 2024.

As conceptualized, the two projects will be built in the several phases:

The Unser Blvd. widening project will be built in two phases:
Phase 1: Will begin at Paradise Blvd. and head southwest to just below Paseo Del Norte.
Phase 2/Future Phases: Will begin south of Paseo del Norte and extend south to Rainbow Blvd.

The Paseo del Norte widening project will also be built in a current and a future phase:
Current Phase: Will begin at Calle de Nortena and head west to just past Unser Blvd. NW
Phase 2/Future Phases: Will begin west of Unser Blvd. and extend to east of Rainbow Blvd.

Phase 1 of both projects will be combined to save money and time as well as minimize construction impacts on residents and commuters who use these routes on a daily basis.

 

Background

  • Sep 30, 2022

    January 2018

    The City of Albuquerque submits a Capital Outlay Request to the New Mexico Legislature to begin funding improvements to Paseo Del Norte Blvd. NW and Unser Blvd. NW.

    Although funding is not awarded, the City announces it will begin a multi-year initiative to procure funding for the projects.

  • Sep 30, 2022

    Spring 2018

    The City Council asks the City of Albuquerque Department of Municipal  Development (DMD) to review the feasibility of building a reversible lane on Paseo del Norte Blvd. as an interim solution until the full roadway cross-sections can be developed. The DMD determines two additional lanes are required for even an interim solution.

  • Sep 30, 2022

    September 2018

    The City Council requests $750,000 in City infrastructure funding that was budgeted in 2012 and designated for roadway projects in City Council District 5 but not spent to be reallocated to the widening of Paseo Del Norte from Kimmick Drive NW to Rainbow NW. This would amend the adapted capital implementation program by approving new projects, supplementing current appropriations and changing the scope of existing projects.

  • Sep 30, 2022

    October 2018

    The City Council approves a resolution to widen Paseo del Norte from Calle Nortena NW to Rainbow NW and to widen Unser Blvd. from Kimmick Drive NW to Paradise Road NW as a priority for the City of Albuquerque Capital Improvement program, the City of Albuquerque's State Legislative Agenda and the City's List of Projects for the Transportation Improvement Program of the Albuquerque Metropolitan Planning Area.

  • Sep 30, 2022

    December 2018

    The City Council passes a resolution to fund the expansion of Paseo del Norte between Calle Nortena NW and Rainbow Blvd NW, and further establish the expansion of Paseo del Norte as a neighborhood priority.

  • Sep 30, 2022

    January 2019

    The City of Albuquerque announces plans to issue engineering planning contracts to develop conceptual plans and designs for improving both Paseo del Norte and Unser Blvd. NW in phases.

  • Sep 30, 2022

    January 2020

    Parametrix is selected to provide conceptual design and engineering services for improvements to Unser Blvd.

  • Sep 30, 2022

    July 2020

    NV 5 is selected to provide conceptual design and engineering services for improvements to Paseo del Norte.

  • Sep 30, 2022

    February 2022

    A Design Analysis Report is completed on the Unser Blvd. Gap Widening Project for Unser Blvd. NW from Rainbow Blvd. to Paradise Blvd.

  • Sep 30, 2022

    June 2022

    The City Council approves gross receipts tax revenue funding of $15 million for expansion of Paseo del Norte. Combined with other City, State and Federal funds, the money will allow the City to expand the segment of Paseo del Norte to four lanes from where it crests the top of the escarpment to Unser Blvd. NW.

  • Nov 9, 2023

    October 2022

    Two public meetings and one public open house are held to educate the public about the project and the 30% design plans as well as solicit feedback.

  • Nov 9, 2023

    January 2023

    Environmental approval is received on both the Unser Blvd. Widening Project and the Paseo del Norte Widening Project.

  • Nov 9, 2023

    November 2023

    90% design plans for both the Unser Blvd. Widening Project and the Paseo del Norte Widening Project are completed and right-of-way acquisition is underway.