The storm drain systems on Downtown Albuquerque’s Broadway Boulevard will undergo construction to help lessen flooding in surrounding neighborhoods.
Installing the new storm drain, estimated to take three months to complete, will necessitate street closures in the area, KOB 4 reported.
"Critical infrastructure work happening in our neighborhoods," State Rep. Javier Martinez (D-Albuquerque) wrote in a tweet.
With the intersection due for completion by mid-October, spokesperson for the Albuquerque Department of Municipal Development Johnny Chandler told KOB 4 that while the city understands this three-month-long construction may pose an inconvenience to the public, it is essential.
"Great, critical infrastructure that's going to benefit the community downtown for the next 60-100 years does not come without a little pain," Chandler told KOB 4. "Construction unfortunately causes pain for drivers and pedestrians and bicyclists. No pain, no gain. That's the situation. This is there's a little bit of pain, but for a tremendous amount of gain."
According to KOB 4, the major construction project will close Broadway from Lomas Boulevard to Mountain Road, but detours will be set in place for drivers in need of accessing establishments on Broadway.
"It's going to be an inconvenience, but overall, we have a major problem with drainage in this city, so a new storm drain is quite necessary," said Danielle Duran, who travels in the area.