Large Trucks Required to Use Specific Lane on Floyd Hill

Since new concrete is being placed on the columns (piers) underneath the bridge, large trucks (over 26,000 pounds) cannot be allowed on the roadway directly above the area under repair.

“Removing truck traffic from one lane of the bridge and minimizing the bridge movements allows the concrete to set to the required strength and completely bond to the steel and existing concrete,” said CDOT Project Engineer Jim Van Dyne.  “The vibrations and flexing that occurs on the bridge when heavy trucks are traveling on the roadway above can negatively impact the repairs.”

Work is proceeding on two of the five piers that need to be repaired.  It takes about three week to repair and cure one-half of a pier, and work is taking place on two to three piers at one time.  Work will continue through the summer while weather and temperatures are favorable, requiring trucks to shift lanes about every three weeks.

The lane restrictions began in early June and will continue until all of the piers have been repaired, which is anticipated by early September 2011.

Exit ramps from I-70 to U.S. 6 are closed, as-needed, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, to maintain safety for motorists and crews while work is occurring underneath the bridge.  A detour is in place when the ramps are closed.

Rehabilitating the bridge, which was built in 1959 and currently rated in “poor” condition, will extend the lifespan of the bridge by about 10 years.

Along with the bridge work, the project includes rotomilling and paving 4.4 miles of eastbound and westbound I-70, between the top of Floyd Hill and the east portal of the Twin Tunnels.  Resurfacing is scheduled to begin in August and will take place at night to minimize traffic impacts.

The entire $3.6 million project scheduled for completion in September.