The New Mexico Department of Transportation built the GRIP Interstate 40/ Coors Interchange in the early 1960s to handle 75,000 vehicles a day. Since then, Albuquerque's west side population has increased dramatically and about 140,000 drivers a day now travel the interchange. Commercial truck traffic has also increased. One tractor trailer creates the same impact on the highway as 32,000 cars. The state recogzinezed this $91 million project as a high priority.
GRIP I-40 Coors Traffic Alerts! For a complete list of I-40 Coors detour information click here.
Project construction began Dec. 1, 2004. Twin Mountain Construction/PTG will follow an accelerated schedule, designing portions of the project while simultaneously constructing. This will allow construction to be complete in 18 months. Following is a brief glance at some of the major activities that will occur during the next few months:
Summer 2005 Begin construction on:
Ouray Road/Coors Boulevard intersection
Coors Boulevard north of I-40
Atrisco Pedestrian Bridge
Continue construction of ramps and bridges within the Interchange
Complete design
Fall 2005 Begin construction on:
Hanover Road/Coors Boulevard intersection
Iliff Road/Coors Boulevard intersection
Demolition of existing Coors Boulevard Bridges
Continue work on Coors/Ouray and interchange ramps and bridges
Winter 2005 Begin construction on:
West Pedestrian Bridge
Install sound walls
Continue construction of Coors/Ouray and interchange ramps and bridge
Transportation Commissioner
Doug Peterson Transportation Commission,
District 3
