Upgrades coming to I-25 Comanche to Montgomery Interchange
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – After more than a decade of planning, two of Albuquerque’s biggest interchanges are getting huge upgrades. I-25 from Comanche to Montgomery is now in the start of a multi-year overhaul.
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From the frontage roads to the freeway ramps, they’re some of Albuquerque’s busiest areas around I-25. Hundreds of cars pack Montgomery and Comanche every day, especially during rush hour. But now, NMDOT says it finally has a plan to fix the issues with a major I-25 infrastructure upgrade. Soon crews will add an extra driving lane on Southbound I-25, but that’s just the start.
“We are re-configuring the on and off ramps at both interchanges Comanche and Montgomery and we are going to have new advanced U-turns at each interchange that connect to one-way Frontage roads,” said Kimberly Gallegos, spokesperson for NMDOT, District 3.
Plans also include adding new bike lanes and sidewalks with new barrier-separated paths at both interchanges. The plan is what’s called a design-build project, which means it’s being designed and built at the same time.
The last time a project like this was done was in 2014 with the Paseo del Norte Interchange, which cost $93 million. NMDOT says they’ve already started getting material samples at the site to prep for construction.
The current project is currently broken down into three phases but is expected to be completed in 2027. NMDOT says although it will take some time, the results will be worth it.
“So, we’re not only trying to accommodate the traveling public in motor vehicles but also on bicycles or walking or jogging also…I think once it is complete and the project is done, it is going to be a huge improvement for safety and just for commuting through that area,” said Gallegos.
NMDOT says major construction is expected to start in August. Crews will begin their work at the Comanche Intersection and then move towards Montgomery. NMDOT says this is one of the most expensive projects in recent years with a price tag of $278 million.
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