CDOT completes bridge replacement project on I-25 just north of Walsenburg

Huerfano County – The Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor TLM Constructors have completed the construction of two bridges on Interstate 25 at Exit 59 in Huerfano County. Built in 1958, the bridges were earmarked for replacement to meet new load and safety guidelines and to support increased traffic on the I-25 corridor. The project spanned two years, beginning with the replacement of the southbound bridge in 2019 and replacement of the northbound bridge and other improvements this year. The project supports CDOT’s 40-year statewide multimodal plan to enhance the safety, mobility, and economic vitality of the state and their Whole System Whole Safety initiative. 

Project Description

The project consisted of replacement of the bridges to meet current FHWA (Federal Highway Administration) bridge structure, load and safety compliance guidelines. Built in 1958 of prestressed concrete, the bridges were reconstructed with reinforced concrete and steel to maximize longevity and structural integrity. 

To accommodate the construction and maintain the flow of traffic on I-25, crews installed detour pavement across the median and routed northbound traffic onto the left southbound lane through the work zone. 

The southbound bridge was replaced in 2019 and was fully operational during Phase II of the project which encompassed replacement of the northbound bridge along with significant drainage, roadway and safety improvements. The detour was removed and all lanes were restored to their final configuration by November 11, 2020.

New guardrail, signage, delineators and mainline striping have been added to approximately one mile of interstate at the site to maximize driver safety. Final work included landscape seeding at the site around the bridges and in the median areas for site stabilization. 

Remember:  Slow for the Cone Zone!

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

• Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.

• Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.

• Watch for workers. Drive with caution.

• Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so

• Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.

• Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.

• Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.

• Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.

• Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.

• Be patient!

Covid-19  

Safe transportation infrastructure is essential for emergency first responders and freight drivers as Colorado navigates the COVID-19 pandemic. With that in mind, construction continues on CDOT projects with social distancing and other health safety measures to reduce COVID-19 exposure on the worksite. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced guidelines for construction activities. The public is urged to join the campaign for #DoingMyPartCO and practice social distancing, wear face masks, stay at home when possible, and avoid nonessential travel. With fewer vehicles on the roads, CDOT crews will be able to work more efficiently and safely.

Whole System. Whole Safety. 

In early 2019, CDOT announced its Whole System — Whole Safety initiative to heighten safety awareness. This initiative takes a systematic, statewide approach to safety combining the benefits of CDOT’s programs that address driving behaviors, our built environment and the organization's operations. The goal is to improve the safety of Colorado’s transportation network by reducing the rate and severity of crashes and improving the safety of all transportation modes. The program has one simple mission—to get everyone home safely.