US 24 Cross Creek Culvert Improvement Project Near Minturn Begins Today

EAGLE COUNTY/MINTURN—On Monday, July 25, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will break ground on construction to replace a culvert along US Highway 24 (US 24), south of Minturn in Eagle County.

The project will include the excavation and replacement of the undersized current culvert, as well as the installation of a right-turn deceleration lane for southbound US 24 travelers turning onto Malloit Park Road. The project is expected to last through October 2016.

Oldcastle SW Group, Inc., dba United Companies of Grand Junction, is the contractor for this $1.3 million project, which is expected to take three months to complete. Normal working hours are 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The purpose of the project is to replace the existing culvert with a wider, concrete box model. During high water events in recent years, surging water from Cross Creek has overflowed onto US 24, creating unsafe driving conditions. Installing a larger and sturdier culvert will ensure that water stays in the creek and off the road. Initial work will involve diverting the creek into a new bypass culvert, followed by the excavation, removal and replacement of the existing culvert.

This work will include roadway resurfacing over the culvert, as well as striping, seeding and mulching. Grading, paving, and improvements to guard and bridge rails will also occur throughout the project.

"Creating a culvert that is capable of channeling more water than it had before will ensure that this road does not become a dangerous location for people travelling on bikes and in cars," said Project Engineer Scott Kimble. "It is inevitable that there will be high water situations in Cross Creek, and we want to create a culvert that will ensure this road remains accessible to the public, regardless of the weather conditions."

Motorists can expect delays of 10 minutes through the project during daytime work hours. At least one lane of traffic will remain open on US 24 at all times throughout the duration of the project. Traffic control will be conducted via a three-way traffic signal operating 24 hours a day. The traffic signals timing will be adjusted to accommodate peak traffic hours. Please use caution and stay alert while traveling through the construction zone. Follow flaggers' directions and reduced posted speed limits.