US 285/CO 9 Intersection Improvements & Bridge Replacement

About the Project

The project consists of making intersection improvements on US Highway 285 at Colorado Highway 9 and replacing a bridge on US 285, in the town of Fairplay in Park County. Work includes roadway widening and reconstruction to accommodate additional through lanes and acceleration /deceleration lanes, installation of new traffic lights, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Ramp work in both Fairplay and Alma. Other work includes storm sewer and drainage improvements, sidewalk and curb and gutter replacement, and repairs to an existing pedestrian bridge.

May 22 Update

Crews will return on June 2 to perform final paving, striping, and other finishing work. This work is expected to last for four to six weeks.

Work accomplished to date includes replacing an aging bridge on US Highway 285 over Middle Fork of the South Platte River with two new structures that meet today's standards of durability and longevity, widening and reconstructing the US 285/CO 9 intersection, adding medians and pedestrian facilities to the intersection and ADA curb ramps in Fairplay and Alma, and making other safety, accessibility and drainage improvements. The intersection now has two through lanes and a dedicated turn lane in each direction to support increased year-round traffic.

Project Benefits

• Widen the intersection to six lanes to support year-round traffic along the US 285 corridor
• Signalize the US 285/CO 9 intersection to improve traffic flow
• Replace a bridge to meet today's standards of durability and structural integrity
• Install ADA ramps in Fairplay and Alma to enhance accessibility for all pedestrians

Work Schedule

• Starting June 2 crews will return for final paving and other finishing work
• Working hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (sunrise to sunset) Monday to Friday, except on holidays
• The project began in May 2023 with substantial completion reached by Dec. 5, 2024 when the project entered a winter shutdown

Traffic Impacts

Starting on June 2, the following impacts will be in place:

• Single right lane closures will be in place in both directions of US 285 within the project limits during daytime hours, Monday to Friday
• Speeds will be reduced within the work zone to maintain safety
• Flaggers, signs and construction devices will be present to alert motorists to the closures and other work zone restrictions
• Motorists can expect some delays during lane closures as traffic is shifted into the open lane
• Please drive slowly and exercise caution when driving through the work zone as crews will be working adjacent to live traffic
• Construction schedules are weather dependent and subject to change.
• Please refer to COtrip.org for weather and road conditions when planning your trips

Work this Week & Lane Closures
US 285/CO 9 Improvements Project

Project Facts

• Cost: $24.1 Million
• Contractor: ACC Built
• Timeline: May 2023 to July 2025 (winter shutdown Dec. 6, 2024 to June 2,2025)
• Location: Intersection of US 285 and CO 9
  • City: Fairplay
  • Mile Point(s): MP 181.83 to MP 184.064
  • County: Park