CO 86 Bridge Replacement in Kiowa

About the Project

CDOT is replacing the existing CO 86 bridge over Kiowa Creek in Kiowa, Colorado. The project will improve safety, reliability, and long-term operations along the corridor.

Work includes:

  • Bridge replacement and associated roadway work
  • Drainage improvements
  • Traffic control
  • Signing and striping
  • Restoration work
  • Temporary shoofly detour to help maintain traffic during construction

Project Facts

  • Construction Cost: $5 million
  • Contractor: HEI Civil
  • Timeline: March 2026 to winter 2026
  • Location: CO 86 at Kiowa Creek crossing 
    • Nearest Town/City: Kiowa
    • Mile Point(s): MP 22.5 to MP 23
    • County: Elbert
Project location map showing the CO 86 Kiowa Bridge replacement work area in the Town of Kiowa at Kiowa Creek near MP 22.75.
Project location map showing the CO 86 Kiowa Bridge replacement work area in the Town of Kiowa at Kiowa Creek near mile point 22.75. Project limits extend from approximately MP 22.5 to MP 23.0.

Project Benefits

By replacing the existing bridge over Kiowa Creek on CO 86, this project will provide the following benefits:

  • Improve safety and long-term reliability
  • Improve resiliency for the traveling public using this route through Kiowa

Work Schedule

  • Construction is expected to begin in March 2026 and continue through winter 2026
  • Work and impacts are weather-dependent and subject to change

Traffic Impacts

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

  • Traffic shifts and reduced speeds through the work zone
  • Detour operations during bridge replacement activities using a temporary shoofly alignment
  • Potential lane closures and changing traffic control as construction progresses
  • Possible width restrictions for oversized loads
  • Motorists are urged to slow down and drive with caution through the work zone
  • Refer to COtrip.org for real-time travel conditions and road closures