TX weather prompts extended I-40 closure

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Interstate 40 remains closed from Louisiana Blvd. all the way to the Texas border Tuesday morning.  Officials closed the interstate due to winter conditions east of the city Sunday evening and have only said it should open sometime Tuesday.

The closure has caused major traffic backup on nearby roads as drivers take Montgomery, Lomas and Central east. 

Crews with NMDOT have been working to clear the roads while hundreds of drivers sat on what became a makeshift parking lot along eastbound I-40.

On Monday officials thought they may be able to reopen the interstate, but then Texas officials requested the state keep the roadway closed due to the dangerous driving conditions on their side of the road. 

The closure has caused major traffic backup on nearby roads as drivers take Montgomery, Lomas and Central east. 

Crews with NMDOT have been working to clear the roads while hundreds of drivers sat on what became a makeshift parking lot along eastbound I-40.

On Monday officials thought they may be able to reopen the interstate, but then Texas officials requested the state keep the roadway closed due to the dangerous driving conditions on their side of the road.