Yale Avenue Bridge Over I-225 Reopens Two Months Early

October 5, 2012 - TRAFFIC ADVISORY - Denver Metro Colorado/CDOT Region 6 - AURORA—The Yale Avenue bridge over I-225 is now open to traffic nearly two months ahead of schedule following bridge reconstruction. The bridge was originally scheduled to reopen in early December 2012, but the contractor, SEMA Construction Co. was able to complete the bridge ahead of schedule.

“This is a tremendous milestone for the I-225 widening project, which will greatly benefit the residents and businesses in the area,” said CDOT Chief Engineer Tim Harris.  “We are proud of today’s accomplishment, but know that there is still plenty of work to be done to complete the entire project.”

As an incentive for the contractor to complete the bridge ahead of schedule and minimize impacts to local businesses, residents and the traveling public, CDOT and RTD offered a $3,750 financial reward for each calendar day the bridge is open early. The maximum award is $150,000 or 40 days early. SEMA Construction Co. will receive the full $150,000 for completing the bridge approximately two months early.

“We appreciate the tireless work and dedication that our partners SEMA and CDOT put into this effort,” said Tom Tobiassen, RTD Board Director. “Getting the bridge opened ahead of schedule is not only an example of successful construction but also minimizes the impact to the community.”

Now that the Yale Avenue bridge over I-225 is complete, crews will focus on completing the new RTD light rail bridge over I-225 as well as the widening of northbound and southbound I-225 between Mississippi Avenue and Parker Road from two to three lanes in each direction. Other minor roadway elements will be completed to accommodate RTD’s extension of light rail from Parker Road to Iliff Avenue.

Throughout the project, motorists can continue to expect single lane closures on northbound and southbound I-225 from midnight to 5:30 a.m., Sundays through Thursdays.  Occasional weekend work will also be required throughout construction. CDOT would like to remind motorists to obey all construction signs and flaggers and to “Slow for the Cone Zone.” Fines for most infractions that occur in the work zone will be doubled.

SEMA Construction Co. is the contractor of this $43 million project scheduled to be complete by the end of July 2014. The project is being funded by CDOT and RTD.

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