NM 528 begins on the east side of a diamond interchange with Interstate 25 (I-25) at Frontage road 2523 (FR 2523) in northern Albuquerque in Bernalillo County.

It then heads west along Alameda Boulevard where it intersects 2nd Street NW, which carries NM 47.

The highway then turns north and enters Rio Rancho in Sandoval County.

[4] Through Rio Rancho, NM 528, known as Pat D'Arco Highway, is a major north–south street.

Feeder streets which connect adjacent neighborhoods cross Pat D'Arco Highway at regular intervals.