Mayor Tim Keller, Bernalillo County District 3 Commissioner James Collie Announce 17 New Street Lights in the International District
May 16, 2020
Mayor Tim Keller and Bernalillo County District 3 Commissioner James M. Collie announced the installation of 17 new solar street lights in the International District today with the release of a video, shot on the site of two of the new lights with social distancing in mind.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO ANNOUNCEMENT
Eight new solar street lights were installed along San Pedro Drive SE, including two next to Wilson Middle School. Three new solar street lights were installed along Trumbull Avenue SE. The lights along Trumbull and San Pedro, two of the busiest streets in the south east, will make roads safer for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles. The remaining six new solar street lights were installed in residential areas where the new lighting will improve neighborhood walkability and public safety.
Mayor Keller said, “Street lighting is a consistent concern for local residents. These new lights help these historically underserved neighborhoods with public safety, walkability, and quality of life. Along with new street surface and ADA improvements along Trumbull, we are investing in areas that have been overlooked for too long. I want to thank our Department of Municipal Development, Bernalillo County and Citelum for making this a priority and getting the job done.”
The new lights bring the total to 19, after the Department of Municipal Development (DMD) and Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority worked together to install solar streets lights in a dark area next to a water tank approximately six months ago.
“This is another piece in the continuing effort to make the International District a safer and more family friendly area,” says County District 3 Commissioner James Collie. “This coordinated effort shows the shared commitment from the city and county to finding solutions to the challenges of all areas.”
Eight of the new solar street lights were funded by a $49,657 state grant to Bernalillo County, the remaining 9 solar street lights were funded with $55,865 by Bernalillo County District 3 set aside money and the City of Albuquerque street lighting capital funds.
The City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County continue to evaluate more locations in the International District to install solar street lights in the future.