North and southbound lanes of I-25 at Exit 59 will be back open temporarily

September 25, 2019 - Southeastern Colorado - The lanes will be open for a few weeks while crews install new northbound I-25 detour pavement

Exit 59.jpg 

Huerfano County – From Tuesday, October 1 to Wednesday, October 2, south and northbound I-25 traffic, that has been under detour and lane restrictions since early 2019, will revert to two lanes in each direction while crews install new detour pavement in advance of the demolition and replacement of the northbound bridge. Construction of a new southbound bridge necessitated shifting traffic onto southbound detour pavement and the left northbound lane through the construction zone. This major bridge reconstruction project supports CDOT’s 40-year statewide multimodal plan to enhance the safety, mobility, and economic vitality of the state and the new Whole System - Whole Safety initiative.

WORK SCHEDULE

On Tuesday, October 1, southbound traffic will go back to the normal two-lane southbound alignment once crews have removed old detour striping, removed barrier, and placed signage. Northbound traffic will remain in a single-lane (right lane) configuration overnight.

On Wednesday, October 2, centerline channelizing devices will be removed, guardrail reset, and other measures undertaken before northbound traffic is reverted to a normal, two-lane configuration through the construction zone.

This two-lane configuration in each direction will be in place for a few weeks while crews complete the installation of northbound detour pavement.

NEW DETOUR INFORMATION

Northbound I-25 traffic from MP 59.01 to MP 58.8 at Exit 59 and Butte Creek will be rerouted across new median pavement onto the left southbound lane of I-25 for approximately 1100 feet, starting in late October. Width restrictions of 12 feet will be imposed. The detour and width restrictions will be in place throughout the demolition, replacement, and completion of the northbound bridge which is estimated to be in spring 2020.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION 

The south and northbound bridges that cross Butte Creek at MP 59 are being replaced to meet current FHWA (Federal Highway Administration) bridge structure, load and safety guidelines. Built in 1958 of prestressed concrete, the bridges are being reconstructed with reinforced concrete and steel to maximize longevity and structural integrity to support increased traffic demands along the I-25 corridor. 

PROJECT LOCATION

The project is located on I-25 at Exit 59, Butte Creek from MP 58.8 to MP 59.01 in Huerfano County.

TRAVEL IMPACTS

CDOT anticipates medium travel impact to motorized traffic on south and northbound I-25 at Exit 59, Butte Creek. Other impacts include: 

  • Lane closures will exist while crews construct detour pavement and perform other construction.

  • Huerfano County Road 103 under the bridges is reduced to a single lane configuration with alternating west and eastbound traffic controlled by automated signals.

  • 12 ft. width restrictions exist on I-25 through the construction zone and on Huerfano County Road 103. 

  • Lane closures and other traffic notices are posted weekly on COTrip.org.

GENERAL PROJECT SCHEDULE

The project kicked off on November 1, 2018 and is expected to last until spring 2020. Working hours are Mon. to Fri. 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. No holiday or weekend work is expected.

PROJECT INFORMATION 

Get direct email announcements and updates by signing up at [email protected]. For additional information about this project, call the local project information line at 719.243.9195, or visit the project website at https://www.codot.gov/projects/i-25-butte-creek-bridge-replacement. For information on any lane closures, please visit COTrip.org, or call 511. Updates are also available via Twitter @coloradodot and CDOT’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/coloradodot.

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. 

To heighten safety awareness, CDOT recently announced its Whole System — Whole Safety initiative. This project 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 Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s intermodal mobility options.