Timber Bridge Preservation in El Paso, Park & Teller Counties

About the Project

This project will preserve the structural integrity of 21 timber bridges on various highways in El Paso, Park and Teller counties. The purpose of the project is to extend the lifespans of the bridges by making needed reinforcements and upgrades to ensure the safety of the traveling public. 

Work includes:

  • Making structural reinforcements by adding steel sister beams to damaged timber girders
  • Repairing bridge decks
  • Replacing guardrail

Project Facts

  • Construction Cost: $1.8 million
  • Contractor: Lobato Construction
  • Timeline: June 2025 to November 2025
  • Location: US 24 across three counties 
    • Nearest Towns/Cities: Fairplay and Ramah
    • Mile Point(s): MP 234.59 to MP 240.38
    • Counties: El Paso, Park and Teller

Project Benefits

  • Improve safety by replacing aging timber beams with steel girders
  • Enhance driving conditions by repairing and repaving bridge decks
  • Increase the lifespan of the bridges

Work Schedule

  • Normal working hours will be from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday, except on holidays
  • Some overnight and weekend work is also expected
  • The project is expected to last for up to six months

Traffic Impacts

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

  • Single weekday lane closures with traffic shifts and holds at three bridge locations:
    • Park County:
      • CO 9 (MP 55.027)
      • US 24 (MP 234.593 and MP 240.389)
    • Teller County:
      • CO 67 (MP 65.786)
  • During lane closures, flaggers will be present to manage alternating directions of traffic with traffic holds up to 15 minutes expected
  • Only shoulder closures will exist during work at all 17 other bridge locations
  • Refer to COtrip.org for real-time travel conditions and road closures