Four timber bridges set for replacement on US 36 and US 40 between Strasburg and Agate

ARAPAHOE COUNTY — The Colorado Department of Transportation will replace four timber bridges on U.S. Highway 36 and US 40 between Strasburg and Agate starting this month. Full highway closures along these Interstate 70 frontage roads are necessary for bridge demolition and replacement.

Two bridges will be constructed at the same time. Starting on or after Feb. 14, the US 36 bridge over a drainage between Strasburg and Byers, approximately two miles west of County Road 173 (Bradbury Road), will close to all traffic through June. Further east near the community of Agate in Elbert County, the US 40 bridge over Agate Creek west of Main Street will also close. During full highway closures, local detour routes will be signed. For both locations, I-70 is the primary detour route.

Two other US 40 bridges are scheduled for replacement near the communities of Peoria and Deer Trail starting this summer.

“Replacing these timber bridges is a priority for CDOT. All four bridges were constructed roughly 90 years ago. These timber structures are difficult to maintain and are beyond their useful life. As parallel corridors to I-70, the new bridges will be built to current standards and will improve safety and access for decades to come,” said CDOT Region 4 Transportation Director Heather Paddock.

Project Background

Four timber bridges along I-70 frontage roads between Strasburg and Agate will be removed and replaced with concrete bridges. Roadway pavement on the bridge approaches will be reconstructed to raise the roadway profile. Shoulders will be widened to eight feet across each bridge. Other project work includes new guardrail, drainage improvements, access modifications and upgraded signage and striping. Lawrence Construction will perform the work.

The four bridge locations are:

• Between Strasburg and Byers: US 36 over a drainage, approximately two miles west of County Road 173 (Bradbury Road)
• Near Peoria: US 40 over a drainage, approximately one mile west of Peoria Road
• Near Deer Trail: US 40 over a drainage, approximately half-mile west of Ivy Street
• Near Agate: US 40 over Agate Creek, approximately one mile west of Main Street

General work hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with occasional extended hours and weekend work. Drivers should expect a full highway closure for each bridge replacement. Adjacent property access will be maintained on either side of the bridge work zone and signed detour routes will be provided.

Construction schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. Weekly updates are available on the project web page.

Project Contact Information

• For additional information about this project, contact the project team.
• Project website: https://www.codot.gov/projects/eastern-plains-timber-bridges
• Project information hotline: 720-735-9975
• Project email: [email protected]

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.