Albuquerque drivers raise safety concerns over dangerous Westside intersection

Chris Lucero and nearby residents reported frequent traffic crashes at the intersection of Ladera Drive and Unser Boulevard in Albuquerque. Repeated collisions and red-light violations have left community members worried for their safety along the busy roadway.

People who live and work near the junction travel through it daily. They report that collisions happen regularly in the area.

“I have seen people almost crossing, almost get hit. I have seen people go through red lights, and they don’t stop,” said one Albuquerque driver.

Lucero lives near the crossing and watches the traffic patterns closely. He said he sees collisions there almost once a month.

Recent photos documented another wreck at the location earlier this month. Debris from a recent crash remained scattered across the road on Sunday morning.

“I don’t know if it is the way the intersection is designed or the lights. I have no idea, but I don’t know why there are so many wrecks in one intersection like that,” Lucero said.

The city posted road signs detailing traffic rules across the junction. Drivers familiar with the area identified excessive vehicle speed as the main concern.

“I am really extra careful when I hit that intersection because I know there are so many wrecks,” Lucero said.

News cameras recorded several motorists speeding along the Unser corridor on Sunday. Some vehicles traveled more than 20 mph over the posted 45 mph speed limit.

“I don’t know what you can tell these guys because I don’t think they care enough to change,” another driver said.

Municipal departments monitor roadway corridors to evaluate traffic patterns and driver compliance. Enforcement divisions schedule targeted operations based on regional events and resource availability.

A spokesperson for the Albuquerque Police Department stated the site is on their radar. The agency plans no operations there until the state fair concludes.