CO71 bridges complete, road reopens

December 10, 2019

CO 71 Bridge replacement completion.jpg

OTERO COUNTY – The Colorado Department of Transportation with contractor Lobato Construction announced the completion of the new bridges over the Arkansas River and Holbrook Canal and the reopening of CO71 at the end of the work day on Monday, December 2.

Motorists should anticipate single-lane closures through the project zone as crews complete remaining shoulder work and landscaping tasks. That work will continue through the third week of December.

The two bridges were considered structurally weak and targeted for replacement. The project, funded with state of Colorado FASTER Bridge Funding, will feature new structures that have concrete girders and decks, 12-foot traveling lanes and 8-foot shoulders for improved safety. 

Work has included installation of construction access, grading, removal of existing structures, installation of new structures, construction of approach slabs to both bridges, earthwork, new signage and guardrail installation, landscaping, and final highway striping.

PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION

REMEMBER: SLOW FOR THE CONE ZONE

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be patient!

WHOLE SYSTEM. WHOLE SAFETY.  

Earlier this year, CDOT announced its Whole System — Whole Safety initiative to heighten safety awareness. This initiative takes a systematic, statewide approach to safety combining the benefits of CDOT’s programs that address driving behaviors, our built environment and the organization's operations. The goal is to improve the safety of Colorado’s transportation network by reducing the rate and severity of crashes and improving the safety of all transportation modes. The program has one simple mission—to get everyone home safely.

ABOUT CDOT

CDOT has approximately 3,000 employees located throughout Colorado, and manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway and 3,429 bridges. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of other agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments and airports. It also administers Bustang, the state-owned and operated interregional express service. Governor Jared Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s intermodal mobility options.