City Making Major Upgrades, Improving Access to Mesa Del Sol
The City of Albuquerque’s Department of Municipal Development (DMD) is making some critical upgrades to the entrance to Mesa Del Sol at University Boulevard over the Tijeras Arroyo - improving access for businesses and residents. Mesa Del Sol is a thriving community with many amenities including The International School, Isleta Amphitheater, Netflix, a championship-quality sports field for teams like New Mexico United, a large dog and neighborhood park, walking and biking trails, a fitness center, a local cafe and residential homes.
“Making improvements in every corner of our city is a major step toward continued growth and economic development,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “We’re putting the amenities and infrastructure in place as this area emerges as a community hub for film and sports with anchors like Netflix.”
The City is investing approximately $8 million from existing quarter-cent transportation tax funds to make sure this entrance is first class and built to last. Recent City investments in Mesa del Sol have led to increased job opportunities and benefit residents and businesses throughout Albuquerque. Between the two Netflix deals the Keller Administration solidified in 2018 and 2020, approximately 3,500 jobs were created, and $2 billion in production will be spent over the next ten years. These commitments will bolster the area’s development as a significant employment center and increase the property’s value.
Improvements to the bridge over the arroyo include:
- Storm drainage improvements north and south of the bridges
- Installation of additional drop inlets
- Road widening, new curb, gutter and sidewalks
- Traffic signs, pavement markings and traffic control
- Rehab/replacement of all wingwalls and approach slabs
- Installation of grout compacted piles under all approaches/departures.
“The Tijeras Arroyo bridge is the gateway to Mesa Del Sol, and we want to make sure that we have the infrastructure in place for the continued growth and development in the area, including upgrading the bridge and adding additional lanes,” said DMD Director Pat Montoya.
Albuquerque Underground Inc. is the contractor on this project with an anticipated completion of late Fall 2021.
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