a day ago
Car hits new Downtown Albuquerque barricades, city touts public safety investment
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The city of Albuquerque reports that its latest investment in public safety is paying off, as demonstrated by a recent incident involving one of its new L-shaped steel barricades. The city states that the barricade was put to the test after a driver hit it head-on during last night's first summer Art Walk of the season.
'We were thrilled. The barricades are doing their job. Had the driver kept going, he probably would have driven into pedestrians on Central, and that's exactly why we installed those barricades,' said Dan Mayfield with the city's Department of Municipal Development. The incident occurred around midnight near 4th and Central, when the driver struck the barricade in the middle of the road, moving the 750-pound barrier only three feet.
City rolls out new barricades for downtown Albuquerque weekend nights
The new barricades have been in place for about two weeks, and although they are brand new, the city is pleased with their effectiveness, stating that they are a valuable investment for downtown safety. 'It's fine. They just pulled the car out. Apparently, the engine is wrecked. They reset the barricade, and everything was good to go for the rest of the night,' said Mayfield.
The city initially purchased drop-down barricades a year ago, but those proved ineffective in preventing drivers from going through. The city acquired 83 of the new barricades, which offer greater mobility and allow for easier movement. These barricades are placed every weekend from 3rd Street to 8th Street.
KRQE reached out to the Albuquerque Police Department to inquire if the driver was charged, but is still waiting for a response. The city noted that while the driver's vehicle sustained severe damage, the barricade remained intact. They plan to use these barricades in more areas across the metro and are considering purchasing additional units in the future.
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