ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – As hundreds of thousands of visitors head to Albuquerque for the annual Balloon Fiesta, drivers may encounter traffic delays along Interstate 25 due to ongoing construction.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation says three lanes will remain open in both directions throughout the event, which runs from October 4 through October 12. However, drivers should expect tighter conditions at key points:
- I-25 and Comanche: Only one lane open in each direction
- I-25 and Montgomery: Three lanes westbound, two lanes eastbound
To avoid congestion, officials recommend travelers coming from the south exit at Rio Bravo and take Second Street or Broadway north to Alameda. For those staying on the interstate, slowing down in construction zones is advised.
“Just obey the speed limits,” said Kim Gallegos, public information officer for District Three. “We do have law enforcement traveling through those corridors, so just watch your speed, give yourself some extra time to get there, and be safe at the event.”
The department is following a similar traffic plan to last year, aiming to balance construction progress with increased travel demand. Drivers can check nmroads.com for real-time updates and slowdowns.
