Repairs to be made on three bridges in southwest Colorado
Travel Advisory
Southwest & South-Central Colorado — The Colorado Department of Transportation in partnership with contractor Structures, Inc. of Englewood, will begin a timber bridge repair project on September 9. This project will include repairs to three structures at different southwestern Colorado locations in Ouray, Saguache and Conejos Counties. The project is expected to be complete by mid-November.
“This is a cost-effective preservation project to increase the longevity of three bridge structures along critical transportation routes that provide key connections to rural communities and services," said Julie Constan, CDOT Regional Transportation Director. “While the bridges are currently in good condition, the upcoming work will prevent the need for costly rehabilitation or full replacements in the future.”
Work will include retrofitting three timber bridges with steel beams to reinforce their existing timber girders.
Bridge Repair Schedule & Locations:
- Ouray County: Bridge work will take place on US Highway 550, between Ouray and Ridgway, over Cutler Creek at Mile Point 98.3. Work on US 550 will begin September 9 and is expected to be complete by late September
- Saguache County: Bridge repairs will occur on US Highway 50, just east of Sargents, over Brush Creek at MP 189.7. Work on US 50 between Sargents and Monarch Pass is anticipated to begin in early October with completion in late October
- Conejos County: Bridge repairs near La Jara will occur just west of US Highway 285 on Colorado Highway 15 over La Jara Creek at MP 30. Work is slated for late October through mid November
Traffic Impacts
Beginning early September through mid-November, work will be completed at one work site before work begins at the next site. Traffic impacts will include:
- Normal working hours will be Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Plan for alternating traffic and up to 15 minute delays
- Motorists can expect temporary detours and will be guided by portable traffic signals while work is in progress at each site
- The speed limit will be reduced to 40 MPH through the work zones
Project Information
For additional information about this project:
- Call the project information line at 970-510-6625
- Email the project team at: [email protected]
- Visit the project website at: codot.gov/projects/timberbridgesrepairsouthwestcolorado
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:
- Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
- Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
- Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
- Check scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
- Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
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!
