Airport Road access from U.S. 54 closed during construction

Quay County’s road supervisor told county commissioners on Monday he decided to close access to Airport Road from U.S. 54 northeast of Tucumcari while the notorious intersection undergoes construction for safety improvements.

Larry Moore said he was prompted to close access to the road last Wednesday after he and several others in a vehicle experienced a near-accident there.

The intersection has been the site of numerous crashes in recent years, prompting pleas to the state from county commissioners to do something about it.

Airport Road, known as Quay Road AI, became busier in recent years because online navigation systems list it as a shortcut to and from Interstate 40.

Moore said access to Airport Road, which includes Tucumcari Municipal Airport, a pet shelter and several residences, still can be made from the south.

County officials learned in August 2021 the intersection would receive $1.5 million for safety improvements, including turn lanes and extra lanes.

Moore said the state began construction earlier this month.

“They’re making pretty good progress,” he said. “Hopefully, it won’t take too long.”

After the meeting, Moore said he didn’t have a timeline on completion but anticipated it would be sometime in October.

In other action at Monday’s meeting:

• Commissioners approved a resolution with the New Mexico Department of Transportation to provide $767,695.63 in shortfall assistance for the $4.01 million Bridge 1625 project over Trujillo Creek on Old Route 66 between San Jon and Endee. The state provided the funds after construction costs rose during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moore also said he anticipates more bridge funds from the state next year, so he has prepared documentation on two other bridges slated for work in the county.

• Commissioners approved an inmate housing agreement with De Baca County Detention Center in Fort Sumner for $131 a day, an increase of about $36. County manager Daniel Zamora said the typical daily rate for inmate housing is between $100 and $125.

• Commissioners approved a resolution of a budget increase for the DWI Distribution Fund fo $8,547.86 for other operating costs and $5,000 in capital purchases for that office.

• Jason Lamb presented his quarterly report from the Quay County Extension Service. He said the office’s family consumer science position still was open after Susann Mikkelson departed to take another position in Guadalupe County. Lamb also noted drought conditions in the last two years have led to a bigger spread of different types of invasive weeds, especially puncture vine.

• County Clerk Ellen White announced certification of voting machines for the November general election would begin at 9 a.m. Oct. 4 in the county commission chambers. The public is invited to watch the process.

• Zamora said the July report on county gross receipts tax revenue was “amazing,” especially with steep increases in “other services” he was unsure about. He noted healthy revenue rises in the sectors of retail and accommodations and food services.

• Jeremy Romero, public safety adviser for the governor’s office, presented a certificate of appreciation to Undersheriff Dennis Garcia for his actions in saving a woman’s life last month after she suffered a massive heart attack in the county courthouse. Garcia was out of town Monday; Sheriff Russell Shafer accepted the honor on his behalf.