After the blizzard that forced New Mexico officials to declare a state of emergency and left hundreds of truckers stranded, the NMDOT says that it will begin to reopen eastbound I-40 this morning.
NMDOT will reopen I-40 in stages to ensure that traffic flows in an orderly fashion. Santa Rosa and Tucumcari have already reopened. Moriarty and Albuquerque will be reopened in the next stages later this morning. Police said they hoped to have I-40 reopened by 10:15, but it may take more time than expected.
One police report estimated that 500 to 600 truck drivers were stranded in eastern New Mexico by the storm. Truck stops filled up so quickly that officials opened up the New Mexico State Fair Grounds to accomodate truckers.
Authorities warn drivers to use caution as roads are still snow packed and slick.
Sources:
Albuquerque Journal
KOAT
KRQE
