I-25 S-Curve Update

Recap of the I-25 S-Curve Study Presentation

On December 3rd, Strong Towns ABQ members showed up in force to the I-25 S-Curve Study presentation, and we’re grateful to everyone who contributed to the discussion. The presentation materials were thoughtfully prepared, and the engineering team engaged openly with attendees. It was encouraging to see many strongtowners advocating for a no-build option while asking critical questions about the project, the underlying data, and the lack of comprehensive regional traffic modeling.

While the no-build option will advance alongside two build options, we remain deeply concerned about the direction of the proposed designs. Both build options prioritize highway lane expansions, high speeds, and frontage roads—choices that risk further dividing downtown neighborhoods, increasing traffic, and worsening pollution.

Additionally, we were disappointed by the continued dismissal of proven, cost-effective safety measures like automated enforcement. Despite their potential to reduce speeding and save lives, the contractor appears to have made little effort to engage with the Department of Public Safety, other NMDOT divisions, or legislators to explore this alternative.

Moreover, the proposed build options fail to adhere to the Federal Highway Administration's Bikeway Selection Guide and other updated best practices. This oversight neglects the needs of cyclists and pedestrians, missing a crucial opportunity to create a safer, more connected transportation system.

We emphasize that neither of the proposed build options will alleviate congestion or improve mobility in Albuquerque. Instead, they risk creating more fatal and life-altering crashes, increasing environmental harm, and reinforcing inequities in our community. We strongly urge our members to submit public comments opposing the build options and advocating for a no-build alternative that prioritizes safety, equity, and long-term sustainability.

Where and how to comment:

1. Complete their public survey at this link

2. By email at study@i25scurve.com

3. Call the study team at 505-600-2232

Sample Public Comment

Here’s a sample comment you can personalize and submit:

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed build alternatives for the I-25 S-Curve project. Both options focus on highway lane expansion, high-speed travel, and frontage roads, which will exacerbate traffic, pollution, and neighborhood division in Albuquerque. These designs fail to address root causes of congestion, neglect holistic regional traffic modeling, and ignore safer, proven solutions like speed cameras or public transportation.

Additionally, the proposals fall short of meeting the Federal Highway Administration's updated Bikeway Selection Guide and best practices, which should be a standard for all future transportation projects.

I urge decision-makers to prioritize the no-build option and consider alternative strategies that align with safety, sustainability, and community well-being. Expanding highways will not solve our transportation challenges—instead, we need solutions that reduce speeding, support multimodal transit, and foster stronger neighborhoods.

Sincerely,
[Your Name] 

Looking Ahead: Why a No-Build Option today can bring opportunities tomorrow

As we look to the future, we believe the success of the no-build option would send a powerful message that our city and state can prioritize a people-centered, sustainable approach to transportation infrastructure. While the contractor has suggested that a no-build scenario would result in no improvements for pedestrians and cyclists, it’s important to clarify that this limitation applies only to this specific project. A no-build outcome does not preclude Albuquerque from pursuing other funding opportunities that prioritize equitable, forward-thinking solutions.

In fact, by helping the no-build option succeed, we create an opportunity to advocate for grants and projects that focus on reconnecting neighborhoods rather than dividing them further. While we appreciate the inclusion of bike and pedestrian amenities in the current proposals, the failure to adhere to even currently adopted best practices—such as the Federal Highway Administration's Bikeway Selection Guide—demonstrates that Albuquerque deserves a better vision for its future.

A no-build success would empower us to work collaboratively with state agencies like the NMDOT and Department of Public Safety, as well as with legislators and local leaders, to champion proven methods for improving safety and mobility. This includes pursuing automated enforcement systems, enhancing local and regional transit options, and expanding active transportation networks.

By rejecting highway expansions that prioritize high speeds and vehicular traffic over community well-being, we can take a meaningful step toward a transportation system that serves everyone in Albuquerque—reducing crashes, protecting neighborhoods, and fostering a more sustainable and equitable future.