Weekend closure of US 34 east of Akron planned in late April

Travel Advisory

April 18, 2023 - Northeastern Colorado - An extended weekend closure planned from noon Friday, April 28, through 9 a.m. Monday, May 1, while an old highway bridge is demolished and replaced

Washington County – An extended weekend closure of US Highway 34 between County Road EE and CR GG east of the Town of Akron is necessary from noon Friday, April 28, through 9 a.m. Monday, May 1, while an old highway bridge is demolished and replaced.

The Colorado Department of Transportation and Lawrence Construction recently started a timber bridge replacement project on US 34 (Mile Point 198.84) approximately two miles east of Colorado Highway 63/Cedar Avenue. Daily lane closures with flaggers alternating traffic will continue for several months while the contractor replaces the timber bridge and makes road improvements.

A multi-day planned closure of US 34 is necessary for demolishing the bridge and setting large concrete box culvert pieces by crane. Crews will work extended hours including night shifts over the weekend to complete the work as quickly as possible. Any changes to the closure schedule will be posted in advance on message boards near the work zone.

Two signed detour routes will be provided during the weekend closure. US 34 through-traffic and commercial vehicles will detour north to Interstate 76 between CO 63 in Akron and CO 61 in the Town of Otis. The secondary detour route, which is intended for local traffic only, will direct traffic to detour around the work zone on gravel roads (CR EE, CR 41 and CR GG).

The US 34 bridge east of Akron is the sixth of 10 timber bridges throughout the region to be replaced. The project is in the middle of the second phase, which replaces two US 34 bridges in Washington County between Akron and Otis in addition to a US 6 bridge in Morgan County that was replaced late last year. Construction completion is expected in late summer 2023 for this Akron location.

Project Background

Ten timber bridges throughout the region are in the process of being removed and replaced with concrete bridges or box culverts. Five bridges are now complete. Roadway pavement on the bridge approaches will be removed and replaced. Outside shoulders will be widened to eight feet across each bridge or box culvert. Other project work includes new guardrail, drainage improvements, access modifications, and upgraded signage and striping. Drivers should expect full roadway closures for each of the five remaining bridge replacements.

General work hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. with occasional extended hours and weekend work. Construction schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change.

Project Information

For additional information about this project:

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

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!

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