City begins $1.3 million Old Town construction project

Yahoo

6 days ago

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Old Town, known for its historic adobe buildings, shops, eateries, and museums, will be the site of yet another construction project. This time aimed at slowing down traffic.
The city is investing about $1.3 million to add a new roundabout to Mountain Road. 'Roundabouts are much safer than traditional intersections, and they keep traffic moving, so that keeps pollution down. In this case, it also will connect to the Rail Trail, which we're excited about,' shared Dan Mayfield, spokesperson for the City of Albuquerque.
New restaurant in Old Town takes over space left by beloved eatery
Research shows the tight circle of a roundabout forces drivers to slow down when entering and circulating, making it safer for pedestrians to cross. 'I think the roundabout will be a good idea from 14th down to Rio Grande. The speed limit is supposed to be 18, and very seldom are cars going that slow on this road,' shared Mitch Rolland, a resident of the Sawmill neighborhood.
The new roundabout will provide a widened crossing for users to cross from the Rail Trail, Tiguex Park, and to the Old Town area.
The city says this project is part of a series of infrastructure improvements to the area. 'We're improving the whole area there, and it's part of a major, major infrastructure improvement for the Sawmill neighborhood,' continued Mayfield.
The project is scheduled to run through October to be completed by the time of this year's Balloon Fiesta.
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