Construction on New Mexico's I-25 Corridor has Increased Car Accidents

Interstate 25 in New Mexico at the north end.

New Mexico’s “Big I”, which refers to the area of stacked interchanges where Interstate 25 (I-25) and Interstate 40 (I-40) intersect northeast of downtown Albuquerque has always been under scrutiny as one of the most heavily traveled roadways throughout New Mexico and known for some of the state’s most serious accidents. In 2013, the New Mexico Department of Transportation started studying the 10-mile tract of I-25 from the Big-I to the Broadway Exit due to its age and dangers.

Regional Growth Has Put Additional Strain in Albuquerque

The study addresses the regional growth around the corridor which will likely increase the already congested interchange. The study intended to provide findings to substantiate improvements to the corridor. The initial study has been completed and proposed construction plans are being discussed. Any construction plan would take place in phases and could have a $373 million price tag. The priority of the proposed construction includes four main points (1) to improve current physical deficiencies including ramp spacing and aging bridge structures (2) to increase the mainline capacity to accommodate regional growth (3) to manage access to support the development and address operational and safety concerns, and (4) accommodate bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit crossings. The study includes a thorough crash analysis, potential plans to correct the excessive amount of accidents, and future land use plans.

A recent Albuquerque news report says that it may take years before any construction is started because the DOT is now studying ways to re-do dangerous on and off ramps and potential plans to straighten out the infamous “S-curve.”

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