Bridge Replacements on US 24 North of Leadville to Require Detour

LAKE COUNTY — Beginning Saturday, September 8 and lasting through Friday, September 14, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will be replacing the first of two bridges on US 24 north of Leadville at mile marker (MM) 178 and MM 179 with box culverts. The second structure is currently scheduled to be replaced the week of September 29 to October 5 (these dates are subject to change). The bridges, both built in 1934, have become functionally obsolete and can no longer handle the amount of traffic that use them on a daily basis.

During the work, US 24 will be closed 24 hours a day from State Highway 300 to County Road 4 and a local, marked detour will be in place for motorists. Crews may be performing night work to shorten the time of the closures and help minimize the impact of the work on the community.

Work will typically take place on Mondays through Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day, and from 7 a.m. to noon on Fridays. The speed limit will be reduced in the area from 55 MPH to 40 MPH. Because vehicles will not be allowed to drive over the culverts while they are being installed, motorists will need to use County Road 4, County Road 5, and State Highway 300 as a detour route for up to seven days at a time for each bridge.

In addition to replacing both bridges, CDOT will also widen the lanes and shoulders, and will install new guardrail and bridge rail. Since there are several businesses and residences between the two structures, only one will be able to be replaced at a time and a local detour will be in place for as many as seven days at a time for each bridge.

Northern Colorado Constructors, Inc. is the contractor for this $1.3 million project that is scheduled for completion in October 2012.

For more information about weekly lane closures and travel impacts, visit www.coloradodot.info/travel/scheduled-lane-closures.html or call 1-800-630-2017.

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