ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – When it rains, it pours. Much-needed rainfall finally came to Albuquerque on Tuesday, bringing relief from the dry summer the area has had so far.
However, the rain prompted a rescue call and multiple closures in the metro.
The San Pedro bridge over I-40 closed down after heavy rains caused the concrete to “impact” bridge support. Inspectors will survey the bridge for damage, but it must be done after the water recedes.
“That rain came right down the arroyo, and it ripped up a bunch of pieces of concrete that just slammed into the pylon that supports the San Pedro bridge. Our city camera spotted it, and we were able to shut down the bridge before anything serious happened,” said Albuquerque Municipal Development Public Information Officer Dan Mayfield.
Lanes on I-40, eastbound and westbound, between San Mateo and Louisiana are closed for emergency repairs and precautions.
Two left lanes on eastbound I-40 are closed. Additionally, one left lane on westbound I-40 is closed.
“Lanes will be closed through tomorrow on those inner lanes until our guys can get out there and evaluate and also work with AMAFCA (Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority) and the city,” said NMDOT District 3 Public Information Officer Kimberly Gallegos.
“We prioritize the safety of our residents and visitors, and as such, we are taking proactive measures to address the challenges posed by the recent inclement weather. The lane closures are a precautionary step that allows our skilled maintenance crews to conduct emergency repairs and mitigate any potential hazards,” said New Mexico Department of Transportation Department Secretary Ricky Serna
Officials know the closures will remain through August 9, but there’s no definite date for when they will reopen. NMDOT mentioned to check their website, nmroads.com, for any updates.
