Business Loop I-40 - Albuquerque

Former Business Route

Historic US 66/Business Loop I-40 - Albuquerque, NM
A remaining sign showing Business Loop I-40 on Central Avenue in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Photo by Casey Cooper (1998).

Business Loop I-40 ran in tandem with U.S. 66 across the city of Albuquerque. The designation outlasted U.S. 66, which was retired in 1985, by a period of time before it was also eliminated. The 18 mile long route joined Central Avenue (Historic U.S. 66) east from a wye interchange (Exit 149) west of Albuquerque. This exchange was removed during a 2009-11 project to add ramps with adjacent Atrisco Vista Boulevard (NM 500) nearby.

Central Avenue constitutes the main arterial across central Albuquerque. It runs directly through Downtown and by the University of New Mexico as Interstate 40 stays to the north. Historic U.S. 66 and I-40 come together again at a trumpet interchange (Exit 167) by Tijeras Canyon.

Several signs remained for Business Loop I-40 in and around the central business district as recently as April 2017.

Business Loop I-40 Photo Guide
Updated August 1, 2026