new underpass set to complete albuquerque bike trail

A nearly 9-mile bike trail connecting the main campus of the University of New Mexico with the Balloon Fiesta Park may soon see the construction of a long-hoped for underpass.

Some $2 million in funding has been secured to build the underpass at the Indian School Road, with design work on the project set for completion next year.

The popular and heavily-used trail follows the North Diversion Channel.  Launched in 1969, the channel diverts runoff from the arroyos, carrying waters from the general UNM area north to the Rio Grande.

The project is being put together jointly by the City of Albuquerque Parks & Recreation Department, the Department of Municipal Development, and the Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority.

If all goes according to plan, construction of the new underpass could begin next year with a general 2020 completion date.

By Garry Boulard

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