US 24 Bridge over UPRR in Johnson Village

CHAFFEE COUNTY, CO - The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Lawrence Construction Company are getting ready to demolish the old US 24 Bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad in Johnson Village (at the US 24/285 junction) and slide in the two halves of the new structure into place next week. Work began on this bridge replacement project in late March and will wrap up just in time for July 4 holiday travel.

Crews have constructed each half of the new structure on either side of the existing bridge, while the existing bridge has remained in operation. Now it’s time to “slide” the new halves in place. Starting Monday, June 23, late at night, crews will demolish the south half of the existing bridge. Once that is complete, the new south half will be slid into place. After some drainage work and resurfacing, traffic will be shifted onto the new half while crews begin work to demolish and slide the north half. Then, final waterproofing, landscaping, striping and more will be completed. All this is expected to take up to seven days (and nights) to complete, with traffic driving on the new structure by June 30.

TRAVEL IMPACTS:  Motorists will encounter single-lane, alternating travel across the bridge, 24-hours a day, from June 23 through June 30. The new structure will be open to two-way traffic after that date. Thank you for going Slow for the Cone Zone!

The new bridge offers wider shoulders and improved guardrails, among other upgraded features. The $1.4 million project is replacing the deficient bridge, which was built in 1937 and rated in poor condition. Replacement of the bridge will increase safety and offer a new service life of 50-plus years.

PROJECT INFORMATION LINE: For information about this project or to leave a message, call the project information line at (303) 358-0632 (a local line will be established and announced later in the week). CDOT projects statewide, log on to www.cotrip.org or call 511 from anywhere in the state. 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. Information about weekly lane closures will be available at www.coloradodot.info/travel/scheduled-lane-closures.html.