GRIP I 40 - Pennsylvania Bridge

Sections Completed

• I-40, Carlisle to Juan Tabo, Pennsylvania Overpass, MP 163.6 - 6/15/05

Project Description and Development

The existing Pennsylvania Street Bridge over Interstate 40 (I-40) was constructed in 1962 as part of the I-40 construction through Albuquerque. Pennsylvania Street currently carries approximately 15,000 vehicles per day. Pennsylvania Street (and the bridge) serves as an alternate route to Menaul (north) and Lomas (south) Boulevards for residents living in the area between Louisiana (west) and Wyoming (east) Boulevards. In addition, Pennsylvania Street provides the public and emergency services access to Winrock Mall, Expo New Mexico, Kaseman Hospital, businesses, residences, and places of work.

Due to continued growth and congestion in Albuquerque and surrounding areas, the widening of I-40 is needed to provide additional capacity to meet the anticipated increase in traffic volume. The construction associated with the widening of I-40 began with the reconstruction of the San Pedro Street Overpass and will continue along the I-40 corridor in the Albuquerque area as part of Governor Richardson's Investment Partnership (GRIP). The existing Pennsylvania Street Bridge impedes the expansion of Interstate 40 because of its abutment type and pier geometry. Although the bridge is structurally sound, it is beginning to show signs of age and significant wear. The existing bridge width does not allow bicyclists and pedestrians safe access because the travel lanes are not configured for bicyclists and the sidewalks are narrow, by current standards. In addition, Pennsylvania Street and Constitution Avenue are part of the City of Albuquerque's (City) Bikeways Master Plan (Plan) and Pennsylvania Street must be widened to provide bicycle lanes as part of the Plan. Other important parts of the project include: a) construction of a storm water drainage system from the intersection of Constitution Avenue and Pennsylvania Street to the Embudo Channel to improve driver safety at the intersection during significant rain events and b) improvements to the streets and utilities. The Pennsylvania Street/I-40 project will: a) allow for the proposed widening of I-40; b) improve the drainage at Pennsylvania Street intersection with Constitution Avenue; c) improve driver, bicycle, and pedestrian access for Albuquerque residents living in this area; and d) improve city streets and utilities in the project area.

Project Objectives and Improvements

• Accommodate future expansion of I-40 to relieve congestion
• Improve the storm drainage along Constitution Avenue and at the intersection of Constitution Avenue with Pennsylvania Street to accommodate run off during heavy rain events
• Project will include the following activities:

1. Removal of the existing Pennsylvania Street bridge
2. Construction of a new Pennsylvania Street bridge
3. Reconstruction of the roadway connections to the new Pennsylvania Street bridge
4. Reconstruction of the intersection of Pennsylvania Street and Constitution Avenue
5. Addition of a right-turn lane from northbound Pennsylvania Street to eastbound Constitution Avenue
6. Construction of sidewalks, curb and gutter, and curb ramps to meet ADA standards
7. Signing and Striping for one (1) lane in each direction for motor vehicles
8. Signing and Striping for northbound and southbound bicycle lanes
9. Lighting and Signalization
10. Installation of a City water line for future use
11. Utility additions and relocations to accommodate the above improvements
12. Connection of the noise walls built during the I-40 and Louisiana project to the Pennsylvania Street Bridge

Historical Timeline

The New Mexico Department of Transportation lead the effort to complete an Environmental Assessment (E.A.) for Interstate 40 between the Interstate 25 and Interstate 40 Interchange and Tramway Boulevard.

• The E.A. was conducted between 1992 and 1994.
• In 1995, A Finding of No Significant Impact (F.O.N.S.I.) was obtained for the Interstate 40 corridor.
• Public Meetings were held during 2000-2002 to receive public input on the Pennsylvania Street improvements.
• An E.A. was completed for the Pennsylvania Street/Interstate 40 Overpass project in July 2002.
• The Federal Highway Administration issued a F.O.N.S.I. in June of 2004

Agency Coordination

Coordination between federal, state, and local governments and utility companies is critical to the success of the Pennsylvania Street/I-40 project. The following agencies and utility company played an important role in the development of this project and will have an important role during its construction:

• Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
• The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT)
• The City of Albuquerque
• PNM