CDOT Begins Road and Bridge Work at I-25/Rockrimmon Interchange

COLORADO SPRINGS—CDOT has begun work on a bridge and driving-surface maintenance project near the I-25/Rockrimmon-Nevada interchange that will improve safety and ride quality.

This $12 million project is part of the ongoing CDOT Asset Management/Bridge Preventative Maintenance Project that began approximately 10 years ago to extend the life of the state's bridges to 75 years.

Crews will reinforce 10 bare-concrete-deck bridges by replacing expansion joints, and installing waterproofing membrane and asphalt overlays to protect and extend their lifespans. They also will improve the driving surface and replace concrete panels where needed. Asphalt paving over existing road and concrete bridges will provide a maintainable surface, improve the current ride quality and overlay the bare concrete bridge decks.

The contractor—Ralph L.Wadsworth, Inc.—began work by moving three lanes of traffic, between the I-25 Rockrimmon Boulevard off-ramp (exit 138) to the I-25 Woodmen Drive off-ramp (exit 139), to the outside shoulders to accommodate work in the median.

"This traffic switch marks the start of construction impacts to traffic. In the long term, these changes will also improve ride quality and maximize overall safety," said CDOT Resident Engineer Dave Watt. "The speed limit during construction has been reduced to 55 mph for the safety of the workers and the traveling public. Motorists should drive the posted speed, be cautious and attentive and avoid distractions."

The current configuration on I-25 will remain in place until mid-May. Motorists can expect to see median work, including barrier placement, median paving, lighting and bridge-deck repair. Beginning in mid-May, the current configuration will change.

The majority of work will take place Monday through Friday. However, some weekend work may be required to complete the project by December. On, I-25, there will be three lanes open in each direction during daytime throughout the project. Intermittent lane closures may be required at night. Construction schedules are subject to change based on weather/unforeseen circumstances. Lane restriction times may fluctuate, so watch for weekly travel alerts with the most up-to-date information.