The answer: Maybe.
The City of Albuquerque has hired HDR Incorporated as an engineer for the city's Modern Streetcar Project. The idea is to run a street car line from Old Town to the Nob Hill district on Central Avenue, which is old Route 66 (an artist's rendering of the project is shown above). This news release from the city says construction is set to begin in 18 months, with the project being operational in 3 1/2 years.
“Having this new mode of transportation that will link to the commuter train and city bus lines will encourage economic development and further the revitalization of many areas along Albuquerque’s historic Route 66,” said ABQ RIDE Director Greg Payne. “The choice to embrace public transportation today will benefit the residents and visitors of our city for generations to come.”
A modern street car system is similar to light rail, but the vehicles are smaller and are much lighter without the same impact on some of the residential neighborhoods. The cost of a modern street car system is estimated to run about $30 million per mile while a light rail system can cost between $60 and $100 million per mile.
However, the Albuquerque Tribune notes that the city doesn't have the money for the full $240 million project.
Adams said the city hasn't determined how much the hiring of HDR will cost. In fact, the city is still trying to determine exactly how the project will be planned.
Adams said the city could choose a more traditional process, where HDR would design the entire project before the construction work is bid to a contractor.
Another process could include having HDR design less than half of the project before hiring a general contractor capable of finishing the design and constructing the system.
So the project might be piecemeal.
Here's my take on what's happening. I think the city is gambling that gas prices will remain high and go higher in the coming years, thus making a streetcar system more attractive to commuters and tourists. The Duke City is trying to be prepared.