ABQ Times

UNM senior Jackie Davis is advocating for a crosswalk on Central Avenue near The University of New Mexico campus. Davis, a Geography student, crosses Central at Buena Vista daily and has noted the dangers of navigating the multilane road without a designated crossing.

“It’s a lot easier to cross down here (Central and Buena Vista), but that comes with the danger of crossing a multilane road every single day without a crosswalk,” she said. She also mentioned witnessing several close calls involving pedestrians and vehicles.

In February, Davis addressed her concerns to the Albuquerque City Council. Councilor Louie Sanchez discussed potential solutions such as installing a crosswalk or speed cameras. The former director of the city's Department of Municipal Development suggested that such an intersection might require both a crosswalk and a signal.

Davis took it upon herself to collect data on pedestrian traffic at Central and Buena Vista. Her findings revealed approximately 50 people crossing per hour, which she presented to the City Council in May. This data was meant to support her request for improved pedestrian safety measures at this location.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration identified New Mexico as having high pedestrian fatalities in recent years. Davis hopes her efforts will contribute to reducing these numbers starting with UNM's vicinity.

UNM's University Communication and Marketing contacted DMD about plans for this intersection. The department is considering implementing a High-Intensity Activated crossWalk signal (HAWK), potentially costing up to $1.25 million.

Davis intends to continue pursuing this issue while preparing for law school after graduation.