US 40 over Shelton Ditch bridge removal and replacement begins

Project Announcement

April 14, 2026 - Northwestern Colorado - Commuters will see temporary detour during construction

Routt County — The Colorado Department of Transportation began a bridge removal project today, April 14, along US Highway 40 at the east end of Hayden. The existing timber bridge at Mile Point 108 will be replaced with a concrete box culvert to support commercial vehicle loads and accommodate traffic that often utilizes this busy stretch of US 40 between Craig and Steamboat Springs.

A temporary detour will be built to accommodate traffic during the bridge removal and construction of the box culvert at Shelton Ditch. Additional work includes guardrail replacement. The project is expected to be completed by early October.

United Companies, of Grand Junction, is the contractor for this $2.4 million project.

Travel Impacts

  • Daytime work hours will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in order to accommodate the commuter traffic on the US 40 corridor, Monday through Friday
  • Vehicles will be reduced to a single-lane, alternating traffic intermittently in either direction while the temporary detour is being built
  • The speed limit will be reduced to 30 MPH through the work zone
  • The project is expected to last until early October
  • Several other projects are occurring this season on the US 40 corridor. For more information on these projects, please visit: COtrip.org
Map showing the location of the bridge removal and replacement project on US 40 at Mile Point 108 in the Town of Hayden.
Map showing the location of the bridge removal and replacement project on US 40 at Mile Point 108 in the Town of Hayden.

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 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!