Over the weekend, massive traffic delays were reported due to a construction project and a hazmat crash on I-40 in New Mexico, but drivers passing through will get a little relief during the holiday weekend.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) is conducting a 5.5-mile construction project on westbound I-40 from mile marker 111 to mile marker 114 near Laguna. The project began November 11 and is slated to continue through mid December.
The project has resulted in nightmarish traffic backups.
A major traffic alert for holiday travelers as construction leads to major backups on I-40. https://t.co/zx1f5uxQE2
— KOB 4 (@KOB4) November 21, 2021
On Saturday, November 20, local outlet KOB 4 reported a thirty mile backup from Laguna to the Route 66 Casino due to the construction project.
A semi truck crash involving hazmat in Grants, New Mexico, on Sunday also contributed to severe traffic delays on westbound I-40.
The longest traffic jam I have ever seen on westbound I-40 #i40 #interstate40 #newmexico #nm #nmi40 #i40traffic #TrafficAlert why? They are all parked because a semi truck jack-knifed in Grants NM. #BeSafe pic.twitter.com/j913YgZBvg
— Matt (@thehotterotter) November 22, 2021
On Monday, Grants Fire and Rescue said that westbound I-40 at mile marker 89 will remain closed except for one lane due to the continuing hazmat cleanup.
There is good news from NMDOT.
The agency says that the construction project will be suspended beginning Wednesday, November 24 through Sunday, November 28 to allow for better flow of holiday traffic.