CO 61 north of Otis to close for six days for bridge replacement starting Nov. 6

Travel Advisory

October 30, 2021 - Northeastern Colorado - Detours will be in place for demolition of old bridge and sliding in the new one

Washington County – A full closure of Colorado Highway 61 between County Road 43 and CR 44 north of the Town of Otis is necessary for six days to demolish and replace the bridge over Surveyor Creek. The full closure is currently scheduled for Monday, Nov. 6, at 7 a.m. through Sunday, Nov. 12, at 7 a.m.

The bridge is located approximately three miles north of U.S. Highway 34 (1st Avenue). The signed detour route for CO 61 will direct drivers to use CO 63 between US 34 in the Town of Akron and Interstate 76 near the City of Sterling. The surrounding unpaved county roads are not intended for detour traffic. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and seek alternate routes. Any changes to the closure schedule will be posted in advance on message boards near the work zone.

Bridge Replacement CO 61 Detour Map
Bridge Replacement CO 61 Detour Map

The Colorado Department of Transportation and Lawrence Construction are replacing the old timber bridge using a slide-in bridge construction method, which builds the structure next to the existing bridge on temporary supports. Slide-in bridge construction allows traffic to continue using the old bridge for as long as possible while the new bridge is built next to it. Bridge approach work will occur after the new bridge is set in the permanent location.

The CO 61 bridge is the eighth of 10 timber bridges throughout the region to be replaced. Construction completion is expected in spring 2024 after a winter shutdown. Finishing work, including final asphalt paving and slope stabilization, may occur this year instead of next, if weather conditions allow.

General work hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. with occasional extended hours and weekend work. CO 61 shoulder closures and one-lane alternating traffic during daylight hours will continue through fall. A 12-foot vehicle width restriction is in place. Construction schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change.

Stay Informed

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!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!