Improvements underway for New Mexico hot air balloon event

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Event organizers are starting several major improvement projects to prepare for this year's Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The Albuquerque Journal reports construction begins Monday on a bridge over the North Diversion Channel that will lead to a new set of RV sites to the west of Balloon Fiesta Park. Balloon Fiesta spokesman Tom Garrity says large radio transmission towers west of the park have been removed in order to construct RV sites and parking for staff and volunteers. Girders for the new bridge over the North Diversion Channel are set to be installed Monday, and work on the bridge will extend through mid-August. Garrity says all of the projects will be completed by the start of the large hot air ballooning event, which is scheduled to run Oct. 7-15.