Bridge Replacement Halted After Wall Failure, County Engineers Investigate

San Juan County officials stopped work on the County Road 3000 bridge replacement December 3 after contractors and county engineers discovered that a wing wall attached to the new culvert had slumped during construction. Public Works Director Nick Porell issued a stop work order to Hasse Contracting so county engineers, the culvert supplier and outside engineering consultants could inspect the site and determine corrective steps.

The project, contracted for $2,425,300, began with a closure in March for what was planned as a one year replacement, with initial projections extending into 2026. With construction halted, officials now face uncertainty about that schedule. Engineers and supplier representatives are flying in to assess the extent of the failure, evaluate repair options and provide the engineering direction necessary to restore progress.

The county has emphasized that the priority is to correct the problem so the structure meets long term standards for safety and durability. Porell said, "everything is fixable but parts may need to be ordered and proper engineering direction provided." County commissioners have discussed possible remedies and acknowledged that the timetable could change depending on the technical findings and any lead time for specialized materials.

Bridge 3121 spans Jones Arroyo and serves as a primary connector between Flora Vista and Aztec. The crossing handles about 2,300 vehicles daily, and the work stoppage carries practical implications for commuters, local businesses and service providers who rely on that route. County staff are reviewing detour needs and communications to the public as they await engineering recommendations.

County background documents and maps related to the project are available for review, and officials say they will provide updates as the investigation proceeds and a remedial plan is developed. The immediate focus remains on ensuring the repaired structure will meet long term performance criteria before resuming construction.