San Juan County Awards Bid to Replace CR 5500 Bridge

Photo courtesy: San Juan County

The replacement follows a 2017 structural analysis of the bridge over the San Juan River. The now 50-year-old bridge is not up to today’s standards and forced closure of one of the bridge’s two lanes.

From San Juan County:

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Work will soon begin to replace the Road 5500 bridge in Lee Acres with construction expected to last a year.
Tuesday, the San Juan County Commission voted to award a construction contract to Kiewit New Mexico, following a competitive bid process to secure a contractor. Bidding closed on March 16, 2021. The contract is worth $7,357,704. Construction will begin in May.
The replacement follows a 2017 structural analysis of the bridge over the San Juan River. The now 50-year-old bridge is not up to today’s standards and forced closure of one of the bridge’s two lanes.
Since 2017, San Juan County has pursued plans to replace the bridge and the funding for the project.
The replacement bridge is designed to modern bridge standards and prepare for the future. The design includes two vehicle lanes, shoulders, and protected pedestrian facilities. The project has been funded through various state and local sources. State legislators and the New Mexico Department of Transportation District 5 were instrumental in securing funding for the project.
Construction is slated to begin in May 2021 and finish within 12 months. Currently, plans include at least one lane remaining open to traffic during the majority of work. Electronic message boards will be displayed in the project area notifying residents and users of the construction start date and potential delays.

 

Editor's note:  This bridge was reduced to one lane in March 2018.  The project was re-designed and put out to bid again recently after previous bids came in over budget.

More from Local News

  • Sheriff's Office Investigates Fatal Shooting

    Upon arrival, deputies made contact with multiple individuals including juveniles and young adults and located a deceased individual identified as Samuell Tariq Liggins, age 20.

  • Suspect Arrested in Farmington Murder Case

    Following an extensive investigation by Farmington Police Department detectives, an arrest warrant was issued for 40-year-old Matthew Sandoval, who is known to have a family connection to Madrid, who has been charged with 1st Degree Murder and Tampering with Evidence. On March 28, Sandoval was located by U.S. Marshals in the 400 block of W. Animas. Farmington Police officers responded and arrested Sandoval on the outstanding warrant.

  • Farmington Temple Opens this Summer

    Invited guests will tour the temple, the afternoon of July 14, and all day on July 15 and 16, 2025. A public open house will run from July 17 to August 2, 2025, excluding Sundays.

  • Police: Farmington Child Abuse Suspect Killed in Home

    Video

    Officers canvassed the area for the suspect; however, investigators believe the individual left the area prior to police arrival. The Farmington Police Department is releasing a video of a person of interest. The video shows a male on a bicycle headed east on Navajo Street towards Lincoln Avenue. The Farmington Police Department urges anyone with information or video surveillance from the area to contact detectives at 505-599-1068.

  • College Opens new Student Health Center

    The $2.2 million Student Health Center spans 2,652 square feet and is designed to provide accessible healthcare services on campus. The center features two exam rooms, three offices for medical and behavioral health professionals, restrooms, storage areas, and additional support spaces.

  • Farmington Couple Accused of Severe Child Abuse

    Reports indicated the child had been locked in a chicken coop for extended periods and exposed to extreme weather conditions. Detectives immediately responded, removed the child from the home, and gathered evidence corroborating the allegations.

On KSJE Now:

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 70°F | Low: 46°F

  • Durango, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 61°F | Low: 39°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 75°F | Low: 48°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 68°F | Low: 41°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 64°F | Low: 45°F