U.S. DOT Grants will Help Fund I-25 Upgrade, Other Albuquerque Highway Projects

Topics:  Interstate Highway System

Federal Highway Administration
27 October 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Contact: Doug Hecox, 202-366-0660
FHWA 19-04c

Two new Federal Highway Administration grants, totaling more than $901,000 will fund improvements to I-25 and I-40 in Albuquerque, said U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta.

"This funding will make it easier for the people of Albuquerque to get to their jobs, to recreation and shopping, which in turn fuels opportunity and prosperity in the community," Secretary Mineta said.

A $540,790 grant will help improve a 20-mile section of Interstate 25 north of Albuquerque. The section extending from the Tramway Interchange north to the State 550 Interchange in Bernalillo, NM, will be widened from two lanes to three in both northbound and southbound directions.

The second grant, worth $360,527, will help make various improvements to the Interstate 40 interchange at Coors Boulevard.

Both projects are expected to ease traffic congestion, improve air quality and spur regional economic growth.

"President Bush knows that transportation investments are ensuring that goods make it to store shelves, and helping New Mexico drivers get to their jobs and home again safely and on time," said Federal Highway Administrator Mary E. Peters.