SH 103 Bridge in Idaho Springs to Reopen Today
Clear Creek County – The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Mountain Corridor Constructors (MCC) will reopen the SH 103 bridge over I-70 in Idaho Springs today to vehicular traffic following several unforeseen events and challenging technical and weather issues that delayed the delivery. Residents of Idaho Springs and motorists traveling through the area will once again have easy north/south access over I-70 while utilizing a wider and more bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly bridge.
“The bridge closed on Oct. 19, about 120 days ago. Due to weather and restrictions as to when we can close lanes, we took advantage of 75 workable days,” said Tony DeVito, CDOT Region Transportation Director. “We thank the town of Idaho Springs and the residents of Clear Creek County for being as patient as possible while we rebuilt the bridge; it certainly takes a true partnership with the local community to be successful during construction.”
Work completed at exit 240 over the last few weeks includes abutment and girder installation, adjustments to bridge bearing pads, overhang and reinforcing steel installation and a deck pour. Crews have been working days and nights to complete final tasks such as leveling the approaches between the bridge and roadways, grading, paving and striping.
“Throughout this project our top priority has been to deliver a safe, long-lasting bridge to best serve the long-term needs of the community,” said MCC Project Director Meraj Ahmed. “The completion of the bridge is an exciting and critical milestone for the Peak Period Shoulder Lane (PPSL) project.”
When completed in the fall of 2015, the tolled Express Lane on the eastbound I-70 shoulder will provide increased mobility between Empire Junction and Idaho Springs, which will open up to traffic and to relieve congestion during periods when traffic volumes are highest. This $72 million dollar investment is expected to save motorists an average of 30 minutes in travel time. The project is part of CDOT’s comprehensive plan to improve travel in the I-70 Mountain Corridor.
PROJECT INFORMATION LINE: For additional information about this project or to leave a message, call the project information line at 303-223-6581 or visit www.i70ppsl.com. 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.
For information regarding CDOT projects statewide, log on to www.cotrip.org,download the CDOT Mobile app 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/
