CDOT to Build Temporary Bridge on SH 90 at Bedrock

MONTROSE COUNTY – The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will construct a temporary detour and temporary bridge structure over the Dolores River on SH 90 at Bedrock. The existing 1952 steel through-truss bridge was damaged and repairs were completed in September; it remains open to all vehicle traffic less than 36 tons gross weight. However, CDOT plans to close the existing bridge once the detour and temporary bridge are in place to avoid the possibility of overweight vehicles crossing the existing bridge, and the possibility of further damage occurring.

CDOT Region 5 (southwest Colorado) requested and received approval from the State Transportation Commission for construction funding for the detour and temporary bridge installation. Engineers will now use expedited emergency contracting procedures to get a contractor on board so that work can begin in early November. Pending this start date, it is estimated the temporary bridge could be completed by mid-December, weather permitting.

The detour alignment and temporary structure will be on the north side of the existing bridge. Once completed, the temporary bridge will be under signal control, single-lane traffic, with no weight restrictions. Over-width loads may not be allowed.

The design for a permanent replacement bridge is underway, though no schedule is available at this time for design completion or bridge construction.

CDOT PROJECTS: The best way to stay up-to-date on project progress, traffic impacts and more is to sign up for email and wireless (text) alerts. Go to CDOT's web site at www.coloradodot.info and click on the green cell phone icon in the upper right hand corner of the page. Enter your information and choose the section of the state (southwest) for which you would like to receive information. Also, scheduled lane closures for CDOT projects can be found on our web site at http://www.coloradodot.info/travel/scheduled-lane-closures.html; and finally, any highway closures are also listed on our traveler information site at www.cotrip.org (see Travel Alerts and Road Work Alerts).