US 34 to close between Platner and Otis from May 19 to May 22

Travel Advisory

May 10, 2023 - Northeastern Colorado - Extended weekend closure between County Road MM and CR PP between Platner and the Town of Otis while an old highway bridge is demolished and replaced.

Washington County - An extended weekend closure of US Highway 34 between County Road MM and CR PP between Platner and the Town of Otis is necessary from noon Friday, May 19, through 9 a.m. Monday, May 22, while an old highway bridge is demolished and replaced.

The Colorado Department of Transportation and Lawrence Construction have started another timber bridge replacement project on US 34 (Mile Point 206.50) approximately three miles west of Colorado Highway 61/Dade Street. Construction activities and the weekend closure are similar to recent work performed near MP 198.84 between the Town of Akron and Platner.

Bridge Replacement Area Detour Map on US 34 3 Miles west of CO 6-Dade Street OTIS
Bridge Replacement Area Detour Map on US 34 3 Miles west of CO 6-Dade Street OTIS

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 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 the Town of Akron and CO 61 in Otis. The secondary detour route, which is intended for local traffic only, will direct traffic around the work zone on gravel roads. The westbound US 34 detour will send traffic north on CR PP, west on CR 42, and south on CR MM. The eastbound US 34 detour will direct traffic north on CR MM, east on CR 41, and south on CR PP.

Bridge Replacement Local Traffic Detour Map on US 34 at Mile Point 206 three miles west of CO 61
Bridge Replacement Local Traffic Detour Map on US 34 at Mile Point 206 three miles west of CO 61

The US 34 bridge between Platner and Otis is the seventh of 10 timber bridges throughout the region to be replaced. In addition to the weekend closure, daily lane closures with flaggers alternating traffic are expected for several months while the contractor makes road improvements. Construction completion at this location is expected in late summer.

Project Background

Ten timber bridges throughout the region are in the process of being removed and replaced with concrete bridges or box culverts. 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 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, contact the project team.

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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