Structure work substantially complete on US Highway 350 and Colorado Highway 9

Travel Advisory

January 20, 2023 - Southeastern Colorado - Structure work substantially complete on Colorado Highway 9 structure near Guffey and complete on US 350 near Timpas

Fremont & Otero County - The Colorado Department of Transportation and its contracting partner CapitalTezak Joint Venture have replaced a structure located near Guffey approximately five miles south of the intersection at County Road 102 on CO Highway 9. Work started in early August with a lane reduction to a signalized, alternating single lane traffic and a speed reduction to 25 MPH which lasted approximately four months. The two 84” diameter pipe structure has been replaced with two ALBCs (aluminum box culverts). This is the first structure in the West Mountain region to be completed. As of mid-January, this project site will shut down due to winter conditions. There will be some minimal work this spring to finish up at this project location.
Beginning Spring 2023 the team will work on replacing two bridges near Antero Junction at Mile Points 227.10 and 229.47 on US 24, two additional structures at Mile Points 271.69 and 271.90 on US 24 between Divide and Florissant and another bridge near Guffey on CO 9 at Mile Point 20.1.

Fremont County bridge near Guffey is almost complete.

The Colorado Department of Transportation and its contracting partner CapitalTezak Joint Venture have replaced the first two of nine bridge structures planned along US 350. Beginning in August, two aluminum box culverts and three reinforced concrete pipes were placed during a 21-day road closure. The two completed structures are located at Mile Point 57.5 and 57.1 just north of Timpas.

Otero County Bridge at MP 56.6 on US 350

The next bridge structures being replaced are north of Timpas. The replacement of a single-span bridge structure at MP 56.6 began in mid-November and will be replaced with a double barrel aluminum box structure anticipated to be complete in early spring. A three-span timber bridge located at MP 47.131 will be replaced with a single barrel 8 x 14 cast in place box culvert. Work is expected to start late January and wrap up by early spring, weather and resource dependent.

The work completed as a part of this project will help improve and prolong the life of the bridges, offering a higher quality driving experience for travelers. Maintaining the structural integrity of highway bridges is crucial to upholding the safety of all motorists.

Otero County Bridge at Mile Point 47.131 on US 350

Project Overview

Colorado is one of the fastest growing states in the country, and with that growth comes strain on aging transportation systems that have significant consequences in the form of growing safety and mobility problems. The purpose of this project is to provide necessary improvements to 17 structures so motorists can be ensured that they are driving on more stable and up to date structures with life spans of 100 years. The three rural highway corridors where structures are being replaced include:

  • Colorado Highway (CO) 9
  • US Highway 24
  • US Highway 350

The importance of CO 9 Corridor (Mountain Region)
Three structures to be reconstructed between Cañon City and Alma provides vital access for residents and tourists to many of the recreation destinations in the Rocky Mountains, which is essential to supporting the rural tourist-based communities and the main north/south corridor traveling through west-central Colorado. Highway 9 also serves as an alternate evacuation route for natural incidents, such as floods and fires.

The importance of US 350 Corridor (Plains Region)
Nine structures to be reconstructed between La Junta and Trinidad. It provides a connection between Interstate 25 and US 50 (saving many miles for freight traffic), and is a designated route for hazardous waste, gasoline, diesel and liquefied petroleum. Highway 350 also is a major access point to the US Army’s Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site.

Construction completion of the Bridge Bundle $43 million project is slated for late 2024.

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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