NMDOT continues I-25 widening

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The project which widened the northbound lanes of Interstate 25 between Comanche and Jefferson is being extended to go under the Jefferson bridge.

The first fix alleviated the daily backup near Comanche, but engineers found a way to go a little further.

New Mexico Department of Transportation officials say that's about 180 to 200 feet further from where the new expansion ended south of the Jefferson bridge. Officials say this latest work will also widen the paved shoulder to about 22 feet in some spots.

The original $2 million project wrapped up at the end of July, but within the last week the orange barrels started popping up again. Complaints from drivers and re-examining where more room could be added is expected to help commuters make their way north.

"When we looked at this in the geometric design it looked like it should've functioned exactly as we designed it," says Phil Gallegos from the New Mexico Department of Transportation. "Upon looking at field conditions, we decided to add additional pavement out there to accommodate traffic as it truly is."

Gallegos also says that part of the new work will include putting up more signs to warn drivers where the expanded lane will end.

The DOT says it should wrap up construction by the end of the week.