CDOT Reminds Motorists of Reduced Speeds on State Highway 14 Near Ault

WELD COUNTY — The Colorado Department  of Transportation (CDOT) advises motorists that a reduced speed limit and double fines are in place through the bridge replacement work zone on State Highway (SH) 14, three miles west of Ault. While motorists may not see crews working at all times during the day and night, the reduced speeds are necessary to preserve the surface on the aging bridge deck, and to protect motorists’ safety until the roadway is resurfaced.

The existing bridge and roadway have an asphalt surface that is flexible and when vehicles, especially trucks carrying heavy loads, travel over at regular highway speeds, large potholes are created. Lowering the speed limit for all vehicles through the work zone is the most effective measure to maintain the current pavement surface to help ensure roadway conditions remain safe.

Beginning June 12, crews will remove and replace the bridge and rebuild the roadway with a less flexible, concrete surface, requiring a 28-day full closure of SH 14 and a detour for all motorists. Eastbound traffic will be routed south onto SH 257, then east to SH 392/CR 68, and will return to SH 14 via US 85. Westbound traffic will be routed south on US 85, then west on SH 392 and north on SH 257 back to SH 14. Motorists can expect the detour to take a minimum of thirty minutes.

Originally built in 1935, the existing bridge was structurally deficient and warranted replacement as a part of the Colorado Bridge Enterprise (CBE), which is part of the Funding Advancement for Surface Transportation and Economic Recovery (FASTER) legislation dedicated to improving safety and replacing poor bridges. The bridge will be replaced with a wider and higher structure that meets current standards.

SEMA Construction Inc. of Centennial Colorado is the contractor for this $3.7 million project.

Drivers are encouraged to take advantage of free resources to check road conditions, including 5-1-1 and www.cotrip.org.  To receive real-time updates about road conditions in your area, visit www.coloradodot.info and click on the green cell phone icon in the upper right hand corner of the page. Updates are also available via Twitter @coloradodot and be sure to “Like” our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/coloradodot.