Construction complete on concrete bridge on Navajo Nation

PHOENIX — Construction has been completed on a concrete bridge on Navajo Nation that replaced a 40-year-old wooden one that had deteriorated.

The bridge, located along N9402 in the community of Tsé Si áni about 20 miles south of Window Rock, was finished eight months ahead of schedule.

“With this project, the leaders of Tsé Si áni and Fort Defiance exemplify what can be accomplished when leaders and communities work together for the greater good of our people,” President Jonathan Nez said in a press release.

Funding for the $5 million project was originally supposed to come from the Federal Highway Administration for the Tribal Transportation Bridge Program, but it wasn’t immediately available.

Tribal leaders worked together to reach an agreement to borrow funding that was allocated for a separate road project in Fort Defiance to allow immediate construction of the new bridge in Tsé Si áni.

Crew removed the old bridge and underwent other major projects as part of the construction process.

“I extend my appreciation to President Nez, Vice President Lizer, Council Delegates, Tsé Si áni and Fort Defiance Chapters, FCF Construction and our team at Navajo Division of Transportation for driving this project to completion,” Navajo Division of Transportation Executive Director Garret Silversmith said in the release.

“It was a team effort and everyone contributed to the successful outcome.”

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