US 6 Elk Creek Bridge four day full closure planned

Travel Advisory

Feb. 20, 2026 - Northwestern Colorado - Existing bridge structure to be placed into detour alignment

Garfield County — The US Highway 6 Elk Creek Bridge project team will initiate a full closure of the highway on the west end of New Castle, Mile Point 105.8., on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 5 p.m. through Monday, March 2 at 6 a.m., in order to relocate the existing structure into the detour alignment.

This time frame was chosen in order to minimize impacts to commuters and RE-2 school traffic to the elementary school and Coal Ridge High School. The team has been making significant progress constructing the detour foundation to support the existing bridge structure while the new bridge is being built.

Alternate Route

During the full closure of US 6, motorists are encouraged to utilize Interstate 70 as the alternate route around the closure. On Monday morning, the newly constructed detour over US 6 Elk Creek will be operational.

The new bridge structure is designed to be a full-size, highway-rated structure to support commercial vehicle loads and accommodate traffic that often utilizes this stretch of US 6 as an alternate route in the event of an I-70 closure. There will also be a detached pedestrian bridge built on the north side of the new bridge.

Construction of the new bridge is anticipated to be complete in the late fall of 2026.

In the interest of pedestrian safety, all pedestrian access continues to be closed at the bridge.

The identified alternate route for pedestrians is:

Graphic showing the pedestrian detour route while the new US 6 Elk Creek Bridge is under construction. Pedestrians should use north 7th Street to take the pedestrian bridge at Rollie Gordon Park.
The graphic shows the pedestrian detour route while the new US 6 Elk Creek Bridge is under construction.

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!

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