US 24 Bridge Replacement Project Update
LAKE COUNTY — The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) continues to move forward on the US 24 bridge replacement project south of Leadville from mile marker (MM) 178 to MM 179. Due to complications installing utility lines through the project area, work had been slightly delayed for a short period of time and delays have increased slightly, but overall the project remains on schedule to complete on time. Additionally, the detour recently required via State Highway 300 is complete.
“Our thanks go out to the residents and officials of Lake County for their continued patience as we complete the final weeks of this project,” said Project Engineer Bob Yost. “We are grateful to Lake County for allowing CDOT to use county roads for the recent detour. Doing so halved the amount of time required to complete the project and helped us minimize impacts to the community as much as possible.”
During the next two weeks, CDOT will continue to have periodic single lane closures near both work zones, and will minimize delays as much as possible.
CDOT is replacing two bridges on US 24 south of Leadville at mile marker (MM) 178 and MM 179 with box culverts. 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. 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 bridge will be replaced at a time. CDOT made the decision to start the project after Labor Day in order to further minimize the impacts on tourism and the local 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.
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, visitwww.coloradodot.info/travel/scheduled-lane-closures.html or call 1-800-630-2017.
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