ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The famous “Texas U-turn” traffic design is coming to I-25 frontage roads, but the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) wants a different name that has nothing to do with the Lone Star State.

The “Texas U-turn,” also known as the “Texas Turnaround,” allows drivers exiting a freeway to stay in the far left lane of a frontage road and make a u-turn to go the opposite direction instead having to make two left turns at two different lights.

The design is part of NMDOT’s I-25 project between Comanche Road and Montgomery Boulevard, which is already ahead of schedule.

NMDOT wants a different name

If you think the relationship between New Mexico and Texas is strained, that’s putting it mildly. With Texas setting its sights on annexing some New Mexico counties, NMDOT seems less than thrilled to have Albuquerque’s newest highway feature tied to the Lone Star State.

For now, NMDOT is calling the feature “Advanced U-turns,” but realizes the name might not stick.

“Texas has famously named the AUTs ‘Texas Turnarounds’, but we obviously aren’t Texas, and we honestly think we can do better,” an NMDOT spokesperson said in a press release. “Plus, if our snowplow names have taught us anything, it is that there is a lot of creativity in the Land of Enchantment.”

A new naming contest

NMDOT is taking submissions for new names through June 26 at noon.

To submit your proposed name, you can visit this link or scan the QR code at the bottom of this article.

NMDOT said it wants creative, u-turn themed, or New Mexico-inspired names.

The contest contains the following rules:

• Each person can submit one name only. 
• No vulgar, profane, or inappropriate language.
• NMDOT will not consider politically inspired names, including plays on politicians’ names or slogans.