Our Campaign to End Highway Expansion in New Mexico

Rethinking Highways: A Strong Towns ABQ Priority

Highway expansions promise faster commutes and reduced congestion, but the reality tells a different story. Decades of research show that adding lanes to highways only encourages more driving, leading to even worse traffic—this is known as induced demand. These projects are expensive, environmentally damaging, and often divert resources from more effective and equitable transportation solutions.

At Strong Towns ABQ, we believe our city deserves better. Instead of spending hundreds of millions on highway expansions, we advocate for investments in local transportation options that benefit everyone—transit, biking, walking, and neighborhood-scale infrastructure. These approaches not only make our city more connected and livable but also address the root causes of traffic and congestion.

Why the I-25 S-Curve Project Needs a No-Build Option

Our current priority is the I-25 S-Curve project, a proposed highway expansion that would significantly reshape central Albuquerque. However, this project represents everything that’s wrong with traditional highway planning:

• High Costs: Millions of dollars would be spent with no guarantee of long-term benefits.

• Induced Demand: Expanded highways encourage more driving, negating any congestion relief.

• Missed Opportunities: Funds could be better used for rail improvements, local transit, or pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

• Environmental Impact: More lanes mean more cars, more emissions, and a greater toll on our environment.

Strong Towns ABQ is leading the charge for a no-build option, advocating for solutions that prioritize people over cars and sustainability over sprawl.

How You Can Get Involved

Our campaign needs your voice!

• Join our I-25 S-Curve Team (Info below!) to help strategize, mobilize, and advocate for smarter alternatives.

• Learn more about the project and why it’s a poorly conceived solution for Albuquerque’s transportation needs.

• Spread the word about the benefits of investing in rail, transit, and local infrastructure rather than doubling down on outdated highway expansion.

Together, we can shift Albuquerque’s priorities toward a future that’s sustainable, affordable, and people-centered. Let’s end the cycle of wasteful highway spending and build a stronger, more connected city.