By Mary Alice Murphy

Brian Torres, New Mexico Department of Transportation project manager, gave the final update about the New Mexico-90/Hudson Bridge update Wednesday evening.

A few workers continue to finish up final touches.

Torres said about 85 percent to 90 percent of the punch list is done. "The contractor (Interstate Highway Construction) has been grading down below. There is still a big pile of dirt."

Claire Catlett of Stream Dynamics said Van Clothier, Stream Dynamics owner, had worked on the project to restore the trailhead on Monday. She reported that IHC was moving dirt, so the sub-contractor (Stream Dynamics) would probably start work again next Monday. She would coordinate to make sure that was feasible.

"IHC should be done this week," Torres said. "I have a meeting with IHC next Tuesday to discuss their timeline for walking away from the project, after completing final tasks."

He reported the lights along the bridge are connected, but the hold up is a permit for PNM to put poles into the right-of way to provide power to the lights. "The permitting agent said the lights should be on within about two weeks. Everything is hooked up other than the power drop."

Torres also said the Griffin Propane Inc. access would be the same as it was before the project, as the owner was not willing to change the access.

"We will do six parking places for the trailhead and a base course parking lot," Torres said. "There is probably room for about 20 cars, depending on how they park. We will line out the six spaces."

Nancy Cliff, with the Trails group, asked when Mill Road would be open again.

Torres estimated in three to four weeks. "It will be one of the last things to be opened. IHC still has equipment down there. By the end of this week, they should be done and will haul the equipment out. Then we can open Mill Road."

Catlett said the Youth Conservation Corps workers would start next week, but cannot work on this project until the contractor is gone.

Torres said he knows travel across the bridge is dark now, but "we are hoping within two weeks, it will be bright, very bright. Be prepared for the bright lights."

Catlett reported Stream Dynamics is working with IHC for the replacement of the kiosk.

Cliff asked about the barrier issue, and if where the split-rail fence had been, some large boulders could be placed there. "And can we design the entrance to the trail head so that ATVs cannot access it?"

"We'll design it, so only people and bicycles can enter the trail," Catlett said.

Cliff also asked about trashcans. Torres and Catlett confirmed they were not in the budget.