The San Juan County Commission has approved $600,000 to renovate the historic San Juan County Cedar Hill Bridge.
According to KOB 4 News, the Cedar Hill Bridge was built in 1913 and is almost as old as the state of New Mexico.
“There are not too many bridges in the country that are 110 years old,” San Juan County public works director Nick Porell told KOB 4. “It was purchased from a catalog, I guess at the time you could purchase a bridge from the Montgomery Ward Catalog.”
The bridge was open to pedestrians until 2017, when it was closed to traffic because it was deemed too dangerous.
“At that time there was a huge amount of citizen comment, we used this for our whole lives, our kids grew up swimming here, we walk this path every day, we really want to see it repaired and remain open,” Porell told KOB 4.
The bridge is actually in remarkably good condition considering its age. According to the Historic Bridge's website, since the bridge is located in a dry environment, its exposure to moisture and rain as well as winter deicing salts have been limited.
During the last meeting, the San Juan County Commission approved $600,000 of county capital reserves for a restoration project that would renovate the bridge. Porell said that funds will be used to replace abutments on either side of the bridge and other small adjustments to make the bridge safe for pedestrians.
The bridge could be reopened as soon as this summer depending on the weather, according to Porell. After renovations, pedestrians can enjoy the bridge as part of a two-mile walking trail along the Animas River.
“It’s a beautiful scene you’ve got canyons on one side, farmland on the other, it’s uniquely New Mexican,” Porell said.