[2][3] Paseo del Norte was originally conceived as part of a 40-mile (64 km) freeway beltway system around central Albuquerque that was never fully built.

[5] The completed interchange allowed for unimpeded access on Paseo from I-25 all the way to Golf Course Road, reducing travel times and congestion for the West Side areas and Rio Rancho.

[6] A single point urban interchange was also constructed at Jefferson Street, a major artery through Journal Center that had become congested due to the growth of west side neighborhoods.

The Mid Region Council of Governments (MRCOG) is proposing to start a bus rapid transit service on Paseo Del Norte.

This route would start in southwest Rio Rancho, cross the River on Paseo Del Norte, and terminate south of Journal Center.

Long-term plans call for NM-347 to eventually be extended south from its present terminus in Rio Rancho to Paseo del Norte in west Albuquerque.