CDOT to perform a bridge repair west of the US 160 & US 550 (Camino Del Rio) intersection

Durango ― The Colorado Department of Transportation will complete a permanent bridge repair on the US Highway 160 bridge over the Animas River, located on the south side of the DoubleTree Hotel and just west of the US 160 and US 550 intersection in Durango. The bridge work will take place, Tuesday, Sept. 6 through Friday, Sept. 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Last month, CDOT completed a temporary repair of the bridge by installing steel road plates over the expansion joint. Crews will now cut a new 1-inch groove into the concrete surface and add a urethane fill on top of the expansion joint. This permanent repair will increase the life of the bridge structure and improve the road surface by allowing the concrete surface to naturally expand and contract. Additionally, potholes and crevices on the bridge will be patched.

Drivers are urged to reduce their speeds while approaching the bridge. The temporary steel plates create bumps on the east end of the bridge. Once the expansion joint work is complete at this location, the steel plates and the bumps will be removed.

Traffic Impacts

Motorists will encounter both westbound and eastbound lane shifts and crews will attempt to keep traffic moving through the work zone. However, significant delays can be expected at the US 160 and US 550 intersection due to congestion caused by the limited lanes available. Travelers should allow themselves extra time. Motorists as well as pedestrians, are asked to seek an alternate route, if possible. Motorists are urged to watch for workers and their equipment, slow down and drive with extreme caution.

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
• Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
• See scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

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.
• Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
• 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.
• Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
• Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
• Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
• Be patient!