US 34 Timber Bridge Replacement East of Laird

About the Project

The Colorado Department of Transportation and its contracting partner, Lawrence Construction Company, have replaced two timber bridges and completed roadway improvements on US Highway 34 east of Laird.

The project replaced two aging timber bridges, east of Laird, near the Colorado-Nebraska state line, with modern concrete structures. Concrete’s strength and durability reduce the need for frequent maintenance while improving long-term roadway resilience. These upgrades significantly enhance safety by replacing infrastructure that was nearly 90 years old and no longer met current standards.

To minimize traffic disruptions, crews constructed off-site detours at each bridge allowing motorists to bypass active work zones. Additional project improvements at both structures included new guardrail installation, erosion control measures, new pavement markings and installation of delineators to help guide motorists safely through the area.

Project Benefits

• The completed bridge replacement on US Highway 34 features a durable concrete structure designed to support heavy traffic loads and withstand weather, chemicals, and wear over time—reducing long-term maintenance needs.
• New pavement markings and delineators provide improved visual guidance for motorists, while newly installed guardrails enhance safety. Erosion control measures have also been implemented to protect the surrounding environment by preventing sediment from entering the waterway beneath the bridge.

Work Schedule

• Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Traffic Impacts

Motorists can expect the following impacts during the period of construction:

• A speed reduction of 40 MPH will be in place through the construction zone
• A 12 feet width restriction and a 100-foot length restriction in place through the project area
• Traffic will be guided by flaggers through alternating lane closures
• Trucks entering and exiting construction zone
• Refer to COtrip.org for real-time travel conditions and road closures