Hull Street overpass close to completion

Crews are putting the final touches on the Hull Street overpass, with hopes that cars could cross the new structure as soon as Friday.

City Engineer Justin Howalt said the final step is a pedestrian fence, a standard feature with the sidewalk area overlooking the railroad.

The fence could take up to two more days, he said.

The overpass, shut down in June of 2008, is a main bypass of train tracks dividing northern and southern parts of Clovis. Prior to its closing, nearly 4,000 vehicles used the overpass every day, according to city estimates.

Those motorists had to find a different route for the 28 months that followed, including Martin Luther King Boulevard — or, to avoid train traffic altogether — overpasses on Prince Street and N.M. 467.

The city approved a bid in May with Hamon Contractors of Denver for $3.3 million.

Howalt said city staff is still working on an opening ceremony in the upcoming weeks.