Route 66 bridge won't be replaced by 2026

A bridge on Old Route 66 east of San Jon destroyed by flash flooding last year won’t be replaced in time for the highway’s centennial in 2026.

Quay County manager Daniel Zamora delivered that news to Tucumcari’s Route 66 Centennial Task Force during its meeting at City Hall on Oct. 8.

The county is suing the architect and contractor after it found the multimillion-dollar bridge carried no insurance coverage. Severe flooding in May 2023 washed out the span just days from completion.

Zamora said negotiations on a possible settlement were “going well” and that mediation was scheduled in late November before the lawsuit is scheduled to go to trial next year.

But he told the task force it wouldn’t be possible to replace the bridge by Route 66’s 100th anniversary in 2026. He said he needed suggestions on how to mitigate the effect of its loss.

The 17-mile stretch of county-maintained gravel road between Glenrio and San Jon is the earliest alignment of Route 66. It is frequented by tourists seeking to experience a glimpse of early travel on the Mother Road.

Zamora said county highway crews have built a rough detour around the bridge and would augment it with its crushed concrete from the wrecked span.

But he said the detour’s steep approaches would make it “not ideal” for many vehicles, including classic cars.

“I don’t know if I want my 1950s (car) cruising down there,” he said.

A Quay County Sun reporter successfully drove that stretch Sunday in a standard compact car. The lowest spot of the detour, however, would be subject to flooding after rains.

The county has erected signs stating the road is closed to through traffic. It was suggested to replace those with “travel at your own risk” signs for those who want to continue traveling on Old Route 66 or inform them they can take Interstate 40 into San Jon or Tucumcari to bypass that stretch.

Zamora said the 1930s bridge that was supposed to be replaced by the new bridge still stands, though it has been condemned for use by vehicles. He said the county will ensure it would be safe for pedestrians and possibly would erect a sign to explain the bridge’s historical significance.

Members of the task force also discussed other ideas before the centennial:

— Painting crosswalks and and bicycle lanes to improve safety. Zamora said a study and safety grant might pay for that.

Joann Thompson suggested more elaborate crosswalks, such as a serape design in front of La Cita restaurant.

Mayor Pro Tem Jerry Lopez, a city liaison for the task force, said it’s important to have Route 66 events for the centennial, as Tucumcari is the first significant city in New Mexico for its eastbound travelers.

Toni Wilson suggested lower speed limits in tourist areas of Route 66, and Joyce Runyan advocated for wider sidewalks.

— Several suggested an expansion of Tucumcari Tuesdays, currently a weekly gathering of volunteers that clean up areas, into an event that includes discounts from merchants and live music. It also would give the city more tourism-related options during the offseason and not just on weekends.

— Matt Bednorz, chairman of the city’s Lodgers Tax Advisory Board, said the city needs brick-and-mortar public bathrooms for tourists. The chamber building has public bathrooms, but it is open for only limited hours.

He also suggested a gazebo for outdoor music.

— Bobby Hockaday said he was preparing a revamped calendar of events, using Google Calendar, for the Tucumcari/Quay County Chamber of Commerce website.

Zamora and interim chamber director Kristine Olsen suggested bolstering existing events in Tucumcari, in addition to creating new ones, for the centennial.

— Olsen suggested a giveaway of a custom neon sign with a value of about $500.