Timber Bridges Repairs in Southwest Colorado

About the Project

This project will include repairs to three structures at different southwestern Colorado locations in Ouray, Saguache and Conejos Counties.

Bridge Repair Schedule & Locations:

  • Ouray County: The bridge is located on US 550, between Ouray and Ridgway, over Cutler Creek at Mile Point 98.3. Work on US 550 will begin Sept. 9, 2025 and is expected to be complete by late September 2025.
  • Saguache County: The bridge is located on US 50, just east of Sargents, over Brush Creek at MP 189.7. Work on US 50 between Sargents and Monarch Pass is anticipated to begin in early October 2025 with completion in late October 2025.
  • Conejos County: Bridge repairs near La Jara will occur just west of US 285 on CO 15 over La Jara Creek at MP 30. Work is slated for late October 2025 through mid November 2025.

Lane Closures & Work this Week:

US 550 between Ouray and Ridgway

US 50 near Sargents

CO 15 near La Jara

Project Facts

  • Construction Cost: $963,303
  • Contractor: Structures Inc.
  • Timeline: September 2025 to November 2025
  • Location: Highway(s) and specific location 
    • Nearest Towns/Cities: Ouray, Ridgway, Sargents and La Jara
    • Mile Point(s): MP 98.3
    • County: Ouray, Saguache and Conejos
Location map of the US 550 Cutler Creek timber bridge repairs (MP 98.3) between Ouray and Ridgway
Location map of the US 550 Cutler Creek timber bridge repairs (MP 98.3) between Ouray and Ridgway

Location map of the US 50 Brush Creek timber bridge repairs (MP 189.7) between Sargents and Salida
Location map of the US 50 Brush Creek timber bridge repairs (MP 189.7) between Sargents and Salida.

Location map of the CO 15 La Jara timber bridge repairs (MP 30) located northwest of La Jara
Location map of the CO 15 La Jara timber bridge repairs (MP 30) located northwest of La Jara.

Project Benefits

Retro-fitting steel beams to reinforce the existing timber girders will strengthen and increase the longevity of the structures as well as ensure safety of the traveling public.

Work Schedule

  • Crews will be working 10 days on and four days off
  • Normal working hours will be Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Work will be completed at one work site before work begins at the next site
  • Completion is expected by Nov. 14, 2025.

Traffic Impacts

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

  • Plan for alternating traffic and up to 15 minute delays
  • Motorists can expect temporary detours and traffic signals while work is in progress at each site
  • The speed limit will be reduced to 40 MPH through the work zones
  • Refer to COtrip.org for real-time travel conditions and road closures