Infrastructure Upgrade Eases Albuquerque
Published Mar 26, 2007
The intersection of Interstates 25 and 40 in Albuquerque includes a series of gently curving on-ramps and off-ramps.
Infrastructure improvements make getting to and around Albuquerque easy
The intersection of Interstates 25 and 40 in Albuquerque includes a series of gently curving on-ramps and off-ramps.
At the confluence of two interstate highways, rail lines and an interna tional airport, Albuquerque’s reach extends from coast to coast and beyond. And New Mexico’s commitment to strengthening and improving the transportation infrastructure is making the central part of the state even more accessible.
“The governor (Bill Richardson) made a decision when he came into office in 2003 that providing an efficient transportation system, including public transit, is a key to economic growth,” says S.U. Mahesh, spokesperson for the New Mexico Department of Transportation.
In fact, a $1.6 billion highway improvement and transportation plan bears the governor’s name: GRIP, as it’s called, stands for Governor Richardson’s Investment Partnership.
Close to one-half billion dollars is being spent in the Albuquerque region to repair, replace and upgrade roadways as well as boost public transit. The list includes adding lanes to Interstate 25, replacing portions of Interstate 40 and improving several interchanges.
While designed to improve transportation infrastructure and to attract new business to New Mexico, the plan is aimed at stimulating business within the state, too. “GRIP was also created to help New Mexico contractors,” Mahesh says.
Projects are divided into smaller segments so that New Mexico con tractors can bid on them. As a result, 95 percent of GRIP contracts have gone to New Mexico contractors or to other contractors with a strong presence in the state. “On these projects,” he says, “we’re also employing hundreds of subcontractors within the state.”
In addition to improving highways, the state has invested millions in the new Rail Runner Express commuter train from Belén to Bernalillo, Mahesh says.
Albuquerque is also a major point on the freight-hauling Union Pacific railroad, and it is a stop on Amtrak’s Southwest Chief passenger service between Chicago and Los Angeles.
The Albuquerque International Sunport is another key tool for economic development. “It is probably the key kind of transportation hub for the city and the state, frankly,” says Dan Jiron, the airport’s public information officer.
The Sunport is served by eight major airline carriers offering nonstop flights to 27 U.S. destinations.
An upgrade to the terminal build ing includes a recently completed 30,000-square-foot addition housing Transportation Security Administration checkpoints.
Among the 60 busiest airports in the nation, the Sunport also has expanded its passenger waiting areas and made other improvements specifically with business travelers in mind, including free wireless Internet throughout the terminal and workstations in the gate areas. Equipped with desks, chairs and power strips, the workstations were an instant hit, Jiron says.
“Air travel has become a not-so-fun thing” for passengers, he adds. “We’re trying to make it as pleasant as possible – at least while they’re here.”
Story by Sue Lenthe
Photo by Brian Mccord
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