Phase III of the $30 million project includes $27 million in state funds and $3 million in matching funds from San Juan County to fully fund and complete the project by 2029.
From San Juan County
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
For more than 25 years, community leaders have discussed the need for an additional river
crossing and infrastructure to connect East Main Street to US 64. That need will now become a reality through funding allocated during the 2026 New Mexico Legislative session.
In 2022, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced $40 million to extend the eastern terminus across the Animas River and to Wildflower Parkway/ County Road 390, which creates access to US 64. Due to rising costs, the entirety of the funding allocation was required to complete Phases I and II of the project, leaving Piñon Hills currently ending at the intersection of County Road 3000.
The State of New Mexico has committed $27 million to the project. San Juan County will provide $3 million in matching funds to complete design, acquire right of way, and construct Phase III. The project plans are at the 90% mark and call for completion of Piñon Hills from County Road 3000 to an intersection of County Road 390.
“Thank you to the San Juan County legislative delegation, Governor’s Office, and County officials for making this project a reality,” said San Juan County Commission Chairman Sam Gonzales. “Consistent advocacy for this funding from San Juan County, collaboration among the legislative delegation, and support from the Governor’s Office will serve the residents by reducing congestion and improving emergency response times.”
San Juan County Legislators Senator Steve Lanier, Senator Bill Sharer, Representative Rod Montoya, Representative Mark Duncan, Representative Joseph Hernandez, and Representative Bill Hall supported the funding and championed it through the legislative budget process.
The grant will be made available to San Juan County after July to complete the designs to 100%. Right-of-way acquisition will be next, and then qualified contractors will be invited to bid on the project. The project is expected to be complete by the end of 2029.
Irrigation for lawns accounts for 70% of Durango’s water usage, so outdoor landscape will be limited to three days a week between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. for both residential and commercial users. Odd-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Even-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Outdoor landscape irrigation is prohibited during all hours on Wednesdays.
Upon arrival, officers observed a male and female walking who matched the provided descriptions. Officers gave commands for Leon Quintana (27) to place his hands on his head and walk backward toward them.
During the encounter, Mr. Quintana hesitated and shifted his movements while officers continued giving commands. He then produced a firearm and fired a shot toward officers, striking an officer’s patrol car. A second shot was also fired.
A complex investigation began, tracking Ms. Salazar across multiple states with cooperation from several law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshal’s Service, that concluded last week when Ms. Salazar was arrested on her warrant and the child was returned to New Mexico where he is now with Mr. West.
The agreement authorizes NDOT to transfer $2,790,647 to NMDOT to administer procurement and construction of the NM371/N36 Intersection Improvement Project. This long-needed project will include roadway widening and the installation of a traffic signal and lighting system designed to reduce accidents, improve traffic flow, and enhance overall public safety for residents, school buses, emergency responders, and travelers who rely on this heavily used corridor.