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

  • SJRMC & San Juan College agree to expand Nursing Program

    Full-time nursing faculty members will receive a $10,000 annual stipend on top of their base salary to enhance the program’s capacity. In addition, students will have an opportunity to enter into an agreement with SJRMC to receive a substantial $4,800 living stipend per semester,

  • Downtown Farmington gets National Main Street Accreditation

     Historic Downtown Farmington’s performance was evaluated through assessments conducted by the organization’s personnel and board of directors, and New Mexico MainStreet, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify local programs that meet rigorous national community evaluation standards.

  • Man Arrested for Fruitland Murder

     Following verbal arguments at the house of Adrian Begay (age 45), De Andre Julian (age 23) left with his girlfriend, Adrian Begay’s daughter, Adriana Begay (age 21) to a nearby residence. Adrian Begay followed them to the exterior of the residence when De Andre Julian produced a handgun and shot Adrian Begay multiple times in the chest at close range.

  • Arrest Made in Farmington Killing

    After a lengthy investigation, Ms. Greenfield’s death was determined to be a homicide and detectives identified 27-year-old Serrono Rippingale as the suspect. On June 26th, 2025, an arrest warrant for Murder (2nd degree felony) and Tampering with Evidence (3rd degree felony) was obtained and served on Serrono Rippingale.

  • Farmington Hires New Museum Director

     “Nathan’s expertise in the museum industry, combined with his global perspective and passion for community engagement, make him a tremendous asset to Farmington,” said Christa Chapman, Director of Cultural Affairs. “We’re excited to see how his leadership will shape the future of the Farmington Museum System.”

  • San Juan Co. Child Contracts Measles

    While the child caught measles outside San Juan County, people may have been exposed to this latest case of measles at the following locations, days and times:  San Juan Regional Medical Center Emergency Room, 801 West Maple Street in Farmington on the following days and times:   Monday, May 26 from 10:30 p.m. - Tuesday, May 27 at 4:15 a.m.  Wednesday, May 28 from 2 - 4 p.m.   San Juan Regional Medical Center Health Partners Pediatrics Clinic, 407 South Schwartz, Suite 102 in Farmington:  Friday, May 30 from 8:15 - 10:30 a.m. 

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Thundery shower

    High: 91°F | Low: 63°F

  • Durango, CO

    Thundery shower

    High: 82°F | Low: 54°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Thundery shower

    High: 95°F | Low: 64°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Thundery shower

    High: 86°F | Low: 57°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Thundery shower

    High: 75°F | Low: 52°F