4th Street Improvements

Project Overview

The proposed restriping improvements will help to revitalize 4th Street to create a safer and more comfortable street for walking and to better support local businesses. The plan will change 4th Street from a four-lane road to a two-lane road with a center turn lane, on-street parking, pedestrian buffers, and improved crosswalks.

Based on years of effort to redevelop the North Valley, this project is in direct response to requests made by a coalition of neighborhood associations, local businesses, and area residents to enhance the area in support of local businesses.

Project improvements align with current City and area plans:

North Corridor Metropolitan Redevelopment Area
Albuquerque Bikeway and Trails Facility Plan
Comprehensive Plan/Main Street Corridor
Complete Streets Ordinance
Long Range Bikeway System
Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) / Development Process Manual (DPM)
New multifamily developments

Features of the Plan

Adds a center two-way left turn lane
Reduces travel lanes from four lanes to two (road diet)
Adds on-street parking
Adds buffer area to separate pedestrians from travel lanes
Improves crosswalks

Rendering of Proposed 4th Street Improvements

Benefits of the Proposed 4th Street Improvements

Safety

One lane in each direction creates more predictable, safer, and slower traffic flow
Parked cars make the street feel narrower, which naturally slows drivers
Road diets typically reduce crashes by 19–47%
Lane reduction makes it easier and safer to cross the street mid-block
Buffers and on-street parking create a safer walking experience by adding space between traffic and sidewalks

Business Actions

Street parking helps customers reach businesses and supports walkable storefronts
A center turn lane makes turning into businesses safer and easier
Slower speeds make it more likely people will stop and visit shops
A safer, friendlier walking environment helps people visit multiple businesses in one trip