'Significant' closures expected at Montgomery and I-25

Traveling down Interstate 25 by Montgomery will be a little more inconvenient than usual for a couple of days.

The New Mexico Department of Transportation announced that the northbound and southbound off-ramps at Montgomery Boulevard NE will be closed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Jan. 27-28.

Traffic will be detoured onto the I-25 Frontage Road at the Montgomery off-ramps, over Montgomery and back onto the interstate via the Montgomery on-ramps, according to NMDOT.

Additionally, Montgomery will be shutdown between Culture Drive and the northbound I-25 frontage road. Traffic will be detoured to Comanche through Carlisle and Jefferson on the east side of I-25 and Culture and Edith on the west side of the interstate.

The closures are necessary so crews can widen the bridge on Montgomery and set beams over I-25. Drivers should anticipate heavy travel delays, plan ahead and follow posted signage overnight, according to NMDOT.

The Montgomery and Comanche project began in August 2024 and is slated to be completed in April 2027.

'EVERYONE HAS A RESPONSIBILITY': When it comes to keeping pedestrians safe, everyone has a responsibility, according to NMDOT, which recently sent out a few reminders on social media: 

• Obey signs and signals.
• Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
• Do not cross mid-block. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections.
• Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
• Make eye contact with drivers when possible and wait for a clear, complete stop before crossing.

BLAKE ROAD CLOSURE: Bernalillo County is reminding drivers that the Blake Road and Belmont Drive SW intersection is closed as part of the yearlong Blake Road Improvement Project.

The closure is expected to last about 10 months, Bernalillo County spokesperson Melissa Smith said.

Access to Blake will be available only from the east end at Foothill Drive for residents and property owners within the work zone. Emergency vehicles will continue to have access as well. Traffic signs and control devices are in place to guide drivers safely through the area, she said.

The Blake Road Improvement Project, which began in December, consists of the redesign of Blake from the Isleta Drain to Isleta Boulevard. 

"The project is addressing flooding concerns along the corridor while also improving pedestrian and bicycle safety," Smith said. "The upgraded roadway will include curbs, gutter and drains; Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalks; and dedicated bike lanes."

A 'VERY LONG' LIGHT: Reader Dinah Starr said the left-turn light on southbound Tramway at Montgomery is "very long."

"... And it is not fun waiting for the next cycle if you are not one of the first two vehicles," she said. "Given that more than two vehicles are usually waiting to turn left to access the Glenwood Village shopping center, the length of the green arrow is not adequate."

Gregory R.C. Hasman is a general assignment reporter and the Road Warrior. He can be reached at ghasman@abqjournal.com or 505-823-3820.