Phase I - A/B NM 556 (Tramway Blvd NE) Corridor Study
Milepost 7.75 to 15.4, Albuquerque, Bernalillo CountyNMDOT Control No. A300342
You're Invited to a Public Meeting for the Tramway Boulevard Operations & Safety Study
Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 | 6 PM
STUDY OVERVIEW
WHERE IS THE TRAMWAY STUDY AREA?
Due to the high volume of daily commuters and active transportation users along NM 556 (Tramway Boulevard NE), the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) has identified the need to conduct a traffic operations and safety study. The study area spans from milepost 7.75 to milepost 15.4, covering the segment between the intersections of Live Oak Road and Central Avenue in the City of Albuquerque, NM.
Tramway Boulevard NE is the easternmost north-south regional principal arterial serving Albuquerque, situated between the city and the base of the Sandia Mountains. It is a four-lane, limited-access, divided highway with a posted speed limit of 55 mph (see Figure 1). The corridor also provides connections to several key east-west principal and minor arterials, including Paseo del Norte, Montgomery Boulevard, Candelaria Road, Indian School Road, Lomas Boulevard, Menaul Boulevard, and Academy Road.
WHAT IS THE GOAL FOR THE TRAMWAY STUDY?
The purpose of this NMDOT study is to evaluate traffic signals, intersection flow, speed conditions, and existing intersection geometry along Tramway Blvd NE. The primary goal is to identify solutions that enhance safety and improve traffic operations. The findings will inform recommendations and help prioritize safety and operational improvements within the study area.
WHERE ARE WE AND WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?
The study team has gathered data on existing conditions within the corridor and developed preliminary improvement alternatives. This summer, the team plans to present the findings to the community to gather feedback and help refine the proposed options. Once public input is incorporated and the alternatives are further analyzed, a prioritization plan will be created. This plan will guide phased implementation as funding becomes available.
Figure 1. Study Area Vicinity Map (click to enlarge).
STUDY RESOURCES
BACKGROUND HISTORY OF TRAMWAY BLVD AND NM 556
Tramway Boulevard was initially developed in the early 1970s as a two-lane roadway through joint efforts by the City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County. At that time, the corridor was not part of the state highway system. In response to a corridor plan adopted in the late 1970s, the roadway underwent significant upgrades in the early 1980s. It was expanded into a four-lane, limited-access, divided highway to accommodate growing traffic demands.
By the 1990s, the improved section of Tramway Boulevard was formally incorporated into the New Mexico state highway system and designated as State Road 556 (NM 556).
Now, with much of the corridor’s infrastructure nearing 30 years in age, there is a clear need to evaluate its condition and strategically plan for future maintenance and upgrades to ensure continued safety, efficiency, and alignment with regional transportation goals.
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
You're Invited! Help Shape the Future of Tramway Blvd.
WHEN: August 5th, 2025 from 6 PM to 8 PM
WHERE: Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center
ADDRESS: 501 Elizabeth Street SE, Albuquerque, NM 87123
The NMDOT invites you to attend a public meeting to discuss the ongoing traffic operations and safety study for Tramway Boulevard (NM 556), from Central Avenue to Live Oak Road.
Whether you drive, bike, walk, or live nearby—your input matters. This study is looking at how traffic moves, how intersections function, and what safety issues exist for all users of the road. We’re also exploring possible improvements to make Tramway Boulevard work better and more safely for everyone.
At the meeting, we’ll share what we’ve learned so far, walk through some early ideas, and most importantly – listen to what you think.
Need accommodations?
If you need ADA accommodations or a language translator, please contact Olivia Tafoya at (505) 998-5576 by July 30, 2025.
Figure 2. View looking north from the intersection of Tramway Boulevard NE and Montgomery Boulevard NE.
HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?
Your voice matters! Public input is a key part of the NMDOT Location Study process. While funding for future improvements hasn’t been secured yet, this study will help identify the most important issues along the corridor and guide efforts to prioritize and seek funding.
In this first phase of outreach, we’re focused on introducing the study, hearing from people who use the corridor, and learning more about the real-world challenges facing drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and transit users.
Later in the process, we’ll come back to the public to share what we’ve learned, present possible improvement options, and gather feedback on the preferred alternative and how improvements could be phased over time.
WE WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS!
Please share your input at the meeting, online, or by email, phone, or mail Olivia Tafoya by September 3, 2025.
MAIL: 4041 Jefferson Plaza NE, Ste 210, Albuquerque, NM 87109
EMAIL: otafoya@parametrix.com
PHONE: (505) 998-5576
Share your comment & join the mailing list for the NM 556 (Tramway Blvd NE) Corridor Study
Live Oak Road and Central Avenue, CN A300342
NM 556 (Tramway) Corridor Study
Project Timeline
Fall/Winter 2024
- Collect existing condition data
- Establish the need for improvements
Spring/Summer 2025
• Identify preliminary highway improvement alternatives
• Public Event #1 – August 2025
Fall/Winter 2025
• Evaluate improvement alternatives in detail
• Prepare draft Corridor Study document
Winter/Spring 2026
• Public Event #2 – February 2026
• Identify recommended alternative(s) and develop prioritization plan
Summer 2026
• Finalize NM 556 Corridor Study
County
Bernalillo
District
District 3
Funding Control Number
Status
Study and Design
Contact
Joseph Casares, PE
Project Development Engineer
505-469-4239