San Juan County Awards Bid to Replace CR 5500 Bridge

Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 1:36 PM

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

Gov. to Visit Flood-Stricken San Juan County

The governor’s visit was carefully scheduled to give first responders, law enforcement and emergency vehicles ample time to complete rescues and other emergency work during the flooding. Now that the floodwaters are receding and initial damage assessments are underway, the Governor will survey the disaster zone and work to get families the help they need.
National Guard, State Police carry out rescues as historic flooding hits San Juan County

New Mexico Governor Lujan Grisham preparing request for federal disaster declaration
Bloomfield: Wastewater Emergency

Bloomfield Residents and businesses: please minimize water use until further notice. Postpone laundry and dishwasher use, keep showers brief, and reduce toilet flushing when practical and sanitary. Every reduction helps limit wastewater entering the river.
Kirtland Students on Remote Learning thru Thursday

The district has worked with the Lower Valley Water Users Association on the testing needed to lift the boil water notice. Because of the number of tests required, the district has decided to keep students on remote learning as a precaution for their well-being. If test results come back early, the district must still follow processes and protocols to flush and clear the water lines at each school before in-person instruction can resume. Safety is our top priority for the well-being of our Kirtland students.
*UPDATE* Boil Water Advisory Lifted for Lower Valley Water Users

Water Samples taken from the Lower Valley Water Association system have tested negative for e-coli. The Boil Water notice has been lifted for customers.
Woman's Husband Arrested for Kirtland Killing

Through the course of the investigation, detectives discovered that Lauren Patterson’s husband, Jess Patterson, had previously resided in California and had been arrested at least 6 times for domestic violence in that state and had been arrested in July 2026 in New Mexico for battering Ms. Patterson. An autopsy revealed Ms. Patterson suffered multiple broken bones, bruising, and internal injuries.