Timber bridge preservation project in El Paso, Park and Teller counties begins in early June

News Release

May 29, 2025 - Southeastern Colorado - The project will restore the structural integrity of 21 rural bridges

El Paso, Park and Teller Counties — Starting in early June, the Colorado Department of Transportation will begin preserving the structural integrity of 21 timber bridges on various highways in El Paso, Park and Teller counties. The purpose of the project is to extend the lifespans of the bridges by making needed reinforcements and upgrades to ensure the safety of the traveling public. The project has an expected duration of up to six months. Lobato Construction has been selected as the prime contractor for the project.

Work will begin on US Highway 24 near Ramah in El Paso County and progress west, finishing along Colorado Highway 9 in Park County. Work includes making structural reinforcements by adding steel sister beams to damaged timber girders.

Working hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday, with no overnight or weekend work expected.

Timber bridges were built in primarily rural areas as a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing alternative to steel and concrete structures. Regular maintenance along with preservation measures will ensure the structures meet today's standards of load-bearing capacity, durability and longevity.

“Maintaining and preserving these rural bridges is critical for the safety of the traveling public,” said CDOT Region 2 Transportation Director Shane Ferguson. “By reinforcing the girders with steel beams and adding other safety features, we can extend the lifespan of the structures for many years to come.”

Traffic Impacts

  • Single weekday lane closures with traffic shifts and brief holds will be in place at all bridge locations during placement of the sister beams.
  • During lane closures, flaggers will be present to manage alternating directions of traffic with traffic holds up to 5 minutes expected.
  • Signs, message boards and construction devices will be present to alert motorists to the work zone restrictions.
Map of the Timber Bridge Preservation Project locations in El Paso, Teller and Park Counties
Map of El Paso, Teller and Park Counties highlighting work on bridges on US 24 east of Colorado Springs, US 24, CO 67 and CO 9 in Teller and Park Counties.

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!

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!