State settles lawsuits over icy bridge

SANTA FE (AP) - Attorneys say New Mexico has agreed to pay $1.4 million to settle two lawsuits filed after rollover accidents on an icy Interstate 25 bridge southeast of Santa Fe.

Attorneys Paul Abrams and Chuck Purdy of Santa Fe argued separate crashes that killed one woman and injured another could have been prevented.

They alleged the state Transportation Department failed to adequately remove ice from the bridge, maintain an automated system that was supposed to apply de-icing spray, or warn motorists the bridge might be hazardous.

The state has since removed the de-icing system.

In April 2009, 51-year-old Katherine Martinez suffered permanent brain injury when the truck in which she was riding slid on the bridge.

Two years earlier, 66-year-old Sally Sommer of Rowe died after her pickup rolled after hitting ice on the bridge.

Sommer's case was settled for $535,000 last year.

Purdy says the state this month agreed to pay $899,000 to Elisa Martinez and her 2-year-old son for her mother's injury. A hearing to finalize the deal is slated next month.

Transportation Department spokesman Mark Slimp declined to discuss the matter.

However, he wrote The New Mexican newspaper that it's not possible to keep every portion of the roadway clear of snow and ice at all times.

Despite the department's efforts, "there are times when snow-packed or icy conditions exist on a roadway or bridge that demand that motorists take extra care," he said.

The bridge was equipped in 2002 with a freeze-prevention system.

Slimp said the state ultimately decommissioned the system because of operational problems, and never put similar systems on other state roads.

The department plans to install 80 large signs warning of possible icy bridges along I-25 and I-40 by the end of October, he said.

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Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican