The west loop that connects two major US highways in Carlsbad is finally open, after four decades in the making. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the opening of the West Loop Road connecting Highway 285 to Highway 62/180. Public Works Director Jason Burns said Friday that the original plans for the connected were drawn up in 1986. Today, the project cost a total of 18 million dollars. Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway said that the west loop road will alleviate traffic congestion on Lea Street near Cottonwood Elementary School and the Eddy County Early Childhood Center.