Volume 2, Issue 1 | Fall 2020
TRAVEL TIMES
Traffic in Albuquerque Area sees Major Shift since Pandemic Started
Mid-Region Metropolitan Planning Organization releases updated findings on traffic patterns related to Covid-19 impacts
One of MRMPO’s primary functions is to monitor roadway conditions in order to prioritize transportation dollars and ensure a sustainable system for mobility. COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact on our economy, on vehicular travel, and on forms of transportation such as biking and walking.
While the global pandemic has been devastating and taken a tremendous toll on public health and human lives –some of the broader planning implications related to stay at home guidance and other COVID Safe Practices offer insight into how we might improve the future of mobility.

Traffic counts are recovering in some areas more than others, recreational biking has soared to new highs, and policy-makers are finding innovative ways to transform city streets into safe places for socially distanced gatherings. 

The MRMPO team presented initial findings at the regional APA conference and to members of ULI New Mexico. Traffic counts have also been reported by KRQE News 13.

This information can be used in local policy decisions on such critical areas as land-use type and mix of jobs/housing, alternative mode options, roadway operations and infrastructure, as well as broadband communications that support effective work-from-home strategies.
MRMPO Releases New Video on YouTube About Transportation Safety in the Region
Did you know that 64 percent of our region’s fatal and injury crashes happen on only seven percent of our major arterials? Watch MRMPO’s latest video that explores this and other transportation safety issues in the region. 

The video was produced by MRMPO with contributions by partners in the City of Albuquerque who work on the Vision Zero planning effort.
MRMPO Releases Central Region Traffic Flow Maps for 2019
We are proud to announce the release of the 2019 Traffic Flow Maps for the MRCOG region.

Included in this release are separate maps for different geographic areas of the region, as well as traffic statistics including roadway mileage, vehicle miles traveled (VMT), vehicle hours traveled (VHT), and the top 25 busiest intersections. Also included are various graphics of historic traffic statistics on daily VMT, VMT per capita, and volumes at select locations of interest such as the Rio Grande river crossings and the Big I.

The 2019 Traffic Maps are available online at the MRCOG website.
Data Visualization Now Available for the 2040 Socioeconomic Forecast
MRMPO is creating a number of visualizations that will present data from our region in a dynamic and user friendly way. These graphical representations of data include interactive tables, charts, and maps that aim to bridge the gap between analysis and visual storytelling.

The online dashboard for the 2040 Socioeconomic Forecast is now available on MRMPO's website with many more data visualizations to follow.

It is our hope that you will now be able to gather numbers, and clearly identify trends and outliers in data that is relevant to you, with much more ease than staring at a spreadsheet. Also, there is the option of looking at information at a variety of geographic scales from the entire region to a specific neighborhood with options in between. Whether you use data for your work, or are simply interested in understanding the types of data we use in the development of our Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), these visualizations will be a valuable resource.
Update from the Executive Director
The Mid-Region Council of Governments is Proud to Release our 2020 Annual Report
Hello Everyone,
In lieu of a Mid-Regions Council of Governments Annual Event, we’ve decided to share the highlights and accomplishments of the past year with you virtually. You will find this year’s MRCOG Annual Report, and a video introduction from myself and outgoing MRCOG Board Chair Mayor Gregg Hull, as well as some remarks from Rio Metro Board Chair Councilor Diane Gibson.

While this is not the way we normally roll out our Annual Report, we are grateful for the opportunity to share with you the fruits of our labor when it comes to the many programs and projects that MRCOG has been involved with over the past year.

Please take some time to watch the video introductions, which will give you a good sampling of the great work that goes on in our four-county region here in central New Mexico.

Thank you,

Dewey V. Cave
MRCOG Executive Director
Upcoming Meetings and Events at MRMPO

  • Wednesday, November 11: MRCOG Offices Closed.
  • Friday, November 20 (10:00-11:30 AM): Metropolitan Transportation Board Meeting.
  • Thursday, November 26: MRCOG Offices Closed.
  • Friday, November 27: MRCOG Offices Closed.
  • Friday, December 18 (10:00-11:30 AM): Metropolitan Transportation Board Meeting.
  • Friday, December 25: MRCOG Offices Closed.
  • Friday, January 1: MRCOG Offices Closed.
  • Monday, January 18: MRCOG Offices Closed.

Please see the Mid-Region Council of Governments website for details and the full calendar of meetings. To attend virtually or to arrange special accomodations, please notify the MRCOG office by phone at (505) 247-1750 or email bthomas@mrcog-nm.gov seven days prior to the meeting.
Please note that Travel Times is now published on a quarterly schedule with issues that align with the Fiscal Federal Year. This Fall 2020 (FFY21 Q1) edition marks the first issue of our second volume. All previous issues published on a monthly cycle comprise volume one of Travel Times. If you have any questions regarding newsletter articles or suggestions for future content, please do not hesitate to contact Jake Wolff by email at jwolff@mrcog.gov.