Short Bernalillo public meeting focuses on Old Highway 44 project

BERNALILLO — Bernalillo held a public meeting Oct. 22 to discuss Phase Two of the Old Highway 44 Rehabilitation project, which is entitled “Bridge and Culvert Reconstruction.”

The project will focus on reconstruction of the bridge over the Albuquerque Main Canal. The estimated total project cost is $2,564,259.66.

Mayor Jack Torres, Town Clerk/Administrator Ida Fierro, Public Works Director Troy Martinez, Councilman Vincent Montoya, Councilman Gerred Prairie and Treasurer and Finance Director Terri Gray were all on hand for the discussion.

A presentation went over project description, purpose and need, the construction schedule and maps of the construction areas.

“One of the unofficial reasons why were able to get funding, I’m convinced, is because we let DOT [Department of Transportation] know how much you were inconvenienced during the 550 construction,” Torres told the crowd. “If you see stuff that doesn’t make sense, hopefully we won’t have hassles with a contractor, but it happens, please call us and let us know.”

A few logistical questions were asked like, such as who the contractor would be, but all questions were addressed immediately, and the meeting ended 11 minutes after its scheduled start time.

Construction started on Oct. 28 and is scheduled to end on March 21, 2025.