Movie production closes NM interstates

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Albuquerque drivers will soon see more orange barrels along both of the city’s interstates, but not for road construction; instead sections of the interstates will be closed for film production.

A similar closure angered drivers last weekend.

Some New Mexicans are upset. They say it’s understandable when movie shoots close down small city streets, but that the movie business has gone too far when they call for interstate closures.

“I don't think it’s a good idea,” Richard Seguro said after he found out about the closures.

The first closure will be Tuesday night from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. It will shut down all southbound traffic on Interstate 25 from the Sunport to Rio Bravo.

Overnight Wednesday, Interstate 40 eastbound will be closed from 98th street to Unser.

Instead of traffic headlights, there will be beaming lights from production of “Due Date” starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx.

The film is about an anxious father rushing to see his child’s birth, and freeways are a big part of it. Yet, before the nation sees the father's unbearable trip with a college slacker,

New Mexicans said they'll bear most of the inconvenience.

“Try to find some other place to shoot it so you don't have to shut the freeway. There are plenty other open spaces around here,” Richard Seguro said.

Seguro is worried about traffic congestion, like we saw when I-40 was shut down two Saturday's ago for the same movie.

The movie production and a traffic accident caused major delays.

The New Mexico Department of Transportation apologized and said, “In retrospect the location of the closure was a poor choice."

NMDOT officials said this time they’ve chosen different and less congested spots, but the shoots are still needed. They’re not only the ones who feel this way.

Albuquerque Film Office Spokesperson Ann Lerner said the inconvenience for some, means an economy bump for Albuquerque. Lerner said production shoots have spent more than $450 million in the past six years.

Some commuters like Esperanca Wells said that’s enough proof for them to know that the closures are worth it.

“It's going to be a pain but you know if it stimulates the economy with some jobs that would be great news,” Wells said.