Balloon Fiesta Attendees Cleared for Take-Off with Park Improvements

ALBUQUERQUE – On Monday, September 26, 2022, City and State leaders unveiled the brand new southbound I-25 on-ramp relocated from Tramway Ave. to a new location farther south, providing easier access from Balloon Fiesta Park.

“This means that the Balloon Fiesta is going to be a more memorable experience for everyone,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “Let’s make sure we keep investing in the places where it really makes a difference."

Construction on the $2.5 million project began in late July, and was substantially complete by early September. The relocated ramp is open now and ready to serve the heavy traffic load expected at this year’s Balloon Fiesta.

“We are so happy to have completed this project on time and on budget,” said Patrick Montoya, Director of the Department of Municipal Development. “The new ramp should greatly improve the experience exiting the park for all of this year’s Balloon Fiesta attendees.”

In addition to the new slip ramp, the City has been hard at work completing additional improvements to Balloon Fiesta Park. In all, visitors to Balloon Fiesta Park will experience approximately $2.2 million in additional improvements this year. Those improvements include a new park & ride bus depot, a new northeast parking lot with an additional 500-vehicle capacity, repaving and improved access along Pilots Parkway, and much more.

“The Balloon Fiesta is a great opportunity to showcase our City and our State," said Mayor Tim Keller. "Over the last 50 years, Balloon Fiesta has transformed into a major international event, these additions are just one way we’re working to set the stage for another 50 years of success, improving the experience for Burqueños and visitors alike.”

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