Albuquerque drivers face significant overnight closures on Interstate 25 as construction crews work to widen the freeway and build a new bridge at Montgomery Boulevard. These closures will occur for two consecutive nights, impacting traffic from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Key Takeaways
- I-25 completely closed at Montgomery Boulevard for two nights.
- Closures run from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Detours in place on frontage roads for I-25 traffic.
- Montgomery Boulevard also closed between Culture Drive and northbound Frontage Road.
- Crews are installing 12 large beams, each weighing up to 83 tons.
Overnight Work for New Bridge Structure
The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) has scheduled complete closures of Interstate 25 at Montgomery Boulevard. These closures are necessary to allow crews to safely install massive support beams for a new bridge. The work is part of a larger project aimed at widening the freeway, improving traffic flow in the area.
During these overnight hours, southbound and northbound I-25 traffic will be directed onto the frontage roads. Drivers will exit I-25 at the Montgomery off-ramps, travel along the frontage roads over Montgomery, and then re-enter the interstate.
Construction Facts
- Duration: Two consecutive nights
- Hours: 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Beams: 12 girders being placed
- Beam Weight: Up to 83 tons each
- Beam Length: 168 feet per beam
Montgomery Boulevard Also Impacted
In addition to the Interstate 25 closures, Montgomery Boulevard itself will also be closed in both directions. This closure affects the stretch between Culture Drive and the northbound frontage road. Local drivers will need to use alternative routes to navigate the area.
Drivers looking to bypass the Montgomery Boulevard closure can use Comanche or Jefferson as detours. These routes will help local traffic avoid the immediate construction zone and maintain access across the city.
"We're going to be placing 12 large beams, also known as girders. These beams weigh up to 83 tons and span 168 feet. So it's very important that we close the interstate during the placement of these beams. You don't want to be crushed by one of those beams."
Importance of Safety During Beam Placement
The NMDOT emphasizes the critical nature of these closures for worker and public safety. The beams being installed are exceptionally heavy and long. Placing such large components over an active interstate would pose a significant risk to passing vehicles and construction personnel.
This phase marks the construction of the second bridge in this ongoing freeway widening project. The overall goal is to enhance the capacity and efficiency of Interstate 25, a vital transportation artery for Albuquerque and the wider region.
Project Background
The I-25 widening project aims to alleviate traffic congestion and improve infrastructure durability. Such projects often involve complex engineering and require careful planning to minimize disruption while ensuring safety. This particular phase focuses on building new overpass bridges, which are crucial for maintaining cross-city connectivity.
Planning Your Commute
Motorists traveling through Albuquerque should plan their routes carefully, especially during the late-night and early-morning hours. Drivers should allow for extra travel time if their commute involves I-25 or Montgomery Boulevard. Using navigation apps that provide real-time traffic updates can help avoid unexpected delays.
The NMDOT advises all drivers to obey posted detour signs and reduce speeds in construction zones. Following these guidelines helps ensure the safety of both construction crews and other motorists.
Anticipating Future Roadwork
Large infrastructure projects like the I-25 widening often involve multiple phases of construction and various closures. While these specific closures are for two nights, drivers should remain aware of ongoing project updates. Information from NMDOT will continue to provide details on future traffic impacts as the project progresses.
Community cooperation with detour instructions is essential for the timely and safe completion of this significant upgrade to Albuquerque's transportation network. The new bridge is expected to improve long-term traffic flow and safety for thousands of daily commuters.
