Community Input Sought for Enhancing Safety on Lead and Coal Avenues

Albuquerque’s Initiative for Safer Streets

The City of Albuquerque is actively seeking resident participation in the Lead and Coal Corridor Safety Alternatives Survey, aimed at improving safety measures along Lead and Coal Avenues, stretching from Oak Street SE to Washington Street SE. This initiative arises from ongoing community concerns regarding traffic-related incidents, pedestrian safety, and cyclist hazards in the area.

Safety Problems and Community Advocacy

For years, residents living near these avenues have reported significant safety issues, including frequent speeding, head-on collisions, and other dangerous driving behaviors. In the last two years alone, there have been at least two fatalities tied to accidents in the corridor. Advocates within the community have long pushed for urgent changes, citing alarming incidents that occur as often as every other month.

A comprehensive road safety audit conducted from 2020 to 2022 laid the groundwork for a traffic study that commenced in the summer of 2024 and is expected to conclude by early 2025. This timeline reflects the city’s commitment to addressing these longstanding issues.

Current Improvements and Their Impact

The city has already taken steps to enhance safety along the corridor. Implemented measures include:

• Rest in Red traffic signal technology, which helps to prevent red-light running.
• Automated Speed Enforcement devices aimed at deterring speeding.
• Traffic signal coordination optimized for a smoother 30 mph flow.

These efforts have reportedly resulted in calmer traffic conditions, yet residents continue to express concerns over ongoing safety challenges. The current survey is designed to gather feedback that will help prioritize future safety enhancements based on community input.

Engaging the Community for Future Changes

As part of this initiative, the city will host a final community meeting to discuss findings from the traffic study and the survey results. This participatory approach aims to ensure that the needs of all stakeholders—drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and residents—are taken into account in shaping the corridor’s future. Feedback collected will directly influence which safety measures are adopted moving forward.

Broader Transportation Safety Context

The Lead and Coal initiative is part of a larger strategy within Albuquerque to enhance transportation safety citywide, including projects like the I-25 S-Curve Phase 1B study. These efforts align with the city’s Vision Zero principles, which aim to eliminate traffic fatalities through data-driven and community-informed solutions.

To participate in the survey and contribute to the future of your streets, visit the Lead and Coal Corridor Safety Alternatives Survey.