Phase 2 of Bridge Boulevard construction nears completion after lengthy delays

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – After more than a year of disruptions, the long-awaited completion of phase two of the Bridge Boulevard construction project is finally in sight. This extensive project, which has caused significant traffic delays and inconvenience for local businesses and residents, is expected to wrap up in November.

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The stretch of Bridge Blvd. between the river crossing and Young Ave. has been particularly problematic, with what used to be a five-minute drive turning into a 20-minute ordeal during peak hours. According to county officials, the construction was initially scheduled to be completed by October of last year. However, unforeseen delays, including the replacement of old gas lines by New Mexico Gas Company and inclement weather, have pushed the project back by over a year.

Bernalillo County Commissioner Steven Michael Quezada expressed frustration with the prolonged timeline, attributing the delays to the various entities involved in the infrastructure improvements. “It just seems like these other entities that came in to improve the infrastructure there kind of just took their time,” Quezada said.

Local attorney David Idinopulos, whose law office is right at the intersection of Isleta and Bridge, highlighted the impact the construction has had on clients trying to come into his office. “If you have a two o’clock appointment, maybe you better leave at one o’clock because there’s a chance that you’ll be stuck in traffic on Bridge for sometimes as much as a half hour,” Idinopulos said.

The gas company’s involvement in the area was completed at the beginning of August, clearing the way for the final phase of the roadwork. The next phase of improvements on Bridge Boulevard is slated to begin in 2026, with the public comment period closing and the design phase of the next leg of the project expected to take a year. This will include the reconstruction of the Five Points intersection.

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