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AMAFCA FY 2005 Project Schedule Page: 20

AMAFCA Project Manager: Jerry Lovato, P.E.

Design Engineer: Wilson and Company, Inc.

Construction Engineer: Wilson and Company, Inc.

Contractor: Salls Brothers (new contractor)

Region: West Albuquerque

District: 2 – Director Dan Lyon

Description: In June of 2000, the Albuquerque Metropolitan Flood Control Authority (AMAFCA) adopted through resolution The West I-40 Drainage Management Plan (DMP). The West I-40 DMP identifies the major drainage improvements necessary for approximately 40 square miles of the west side. The area is bounded by I-40 on the south, Rio Puerco escarpment on the west, Double Eagle II Airport and Vulcan Volcano on the North and Coors Blvd on the East.

The project diverts 1558 cfs, of storm water runoff, from four main sources: future Unser Dam, Future Parkway stormdrain system, Laurelwood Pond and local runoff from subdivisions adjacent to the Project.  The design of the project addressed comments and concerns from many different agencies including: City of Albuquerque’s Parks and Recreation, Public Works Department, NMDOT, SR Mormon Neighborhood Association and AMAFCA.

The Project was unique in that it moved storm flows via pipes and a natural channel.  This Project included many amenities including water quality features to treat storm run off before it enters the river, recreational facilities and aesthetics both along the freeway and the adjacent neighborhoods.  Recreational facilities include park benches, 2.4 miles of bike trail and a shade structure. Landscaping includes over 400 trees, 500 shrubs, boulder features, a windmill and steel silhouettes. The cost of the Project was 5.2 million dollars.

Current Status Report: Work resumed with a new contractor in January 2006. Ribbon cutting ceremony was held October 28, 2006.

Awards: The West I-40 Diversion Channel has won several awards:

Engineering Excellence Award 2007, Water Resources Category Winner, from the American Council of Engineering Companies;
First Place 2006 from American Public Works Association, New Mexico Chapter;
and the Best of 2006 Award from Southwest Contractor/McGraw-Hill Construction, for the Engineering Design.

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