CO 165 Bridge Replacement Project set to begin Nov. 2

Project Announcement

Oct. 26, 2026 - Southeastern Colorado - Work will occur in Custer County at the Willis Creek crossing

Custer County — The Colorado Department of Transportation and its contract partner Siete, Inc., will begin a bridge replacement project on Nov. 2 along Colorado Highway 165 in Custer County. Bridge replacement work will take place at the Willis Creek Bridge, Mile Point 16.3 to MP 16.43. The project is expected to be completed by late April.

The work will place a concrete bridge culvert at the realigned Willis Creek channel location and replace the corrugated culverts at the site of the existing Willis Creek crossing. Beginning Monday, Nov. 2, crews will replace the existing structures to improve safety, resiliency and long-term operations along CO 165.

“This bridge replacement project is essential to motorists and emergency responders in Custer and Pueblo counties traveling the CO 165 corridor,” said CDOT Region 2 Transportation Director Shane Ferguson. “This project is an integral part of CDOT’s response to the Aspen Acres Fire.”

Traffic Impacts

Beginning Nov. 2, motorists will encounter road work at the Willis Creek crossing on CO 165. Traffic impacts will include:

Daytime work hours range from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Vehicles will be reduced to a single lane, with alternating traffic intermittently in either direction, throughout the duration of the project, guided by temporary signals
Lane closures, guided by flaggers, expect delays
The speed limit will be reduced through the work zone

Map of CO 165 near San Isabel. Location of Willis Creek Bridge replacement project.

Project Information

For additional information about this project:

Call the project information line at 719-882-1617
Email the project team at: [email protected]
Visit the project website at: codot.gov/projects/co165williscreekbridge

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!