Motorists can expect partial day full closures of each direction of I-25 at Exit 11 during weekdays from July 11 to July 22

Travel Advisory

July 7, 2022 - Southeastern Colorado - Northbound I-25 will close each morning followed by southbound I-25 in the afternoon for bridge work

Las Animas County — Starting on Monday, July 11, and lasting for approximately two weeks, the Colorado Department of Transportation will implement consecutive partial day full closures of each direction of Interstate 25 at Exit 11, south of Trinidad. The closures are scheduled for Monday, July 11 to Friday, July 15 and again the following week from Monday, July 18 to Friday, July 22. On each of these days, northbound I-25 will close from approximately 8 a.m. to noon followed by a full closure of southbound I-25 from approximately 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The closures are necessary while crews perform safety critical work on the new bridge structure. 

All impacted through traffic will be detoured off northbound and southbound I-25 at the off-ramps to Exit 11 (see map) to bypass the closures. Uniformed law enforcement officers, flaggers and signage will be present to alert motorists to the closures and to direct traffic from the Exit 11 off-ramps to the Exit 11 on-ramps to re-enter I-25. 

Traffic Impacts

I-25 Exit 11 Interchange Detour Map in Trinidad

During the closures of I-25 at Exit 11, the following impacts can be expected:

  • Partial day full closures of northbound and southbound I-25 at Exit 11 will be in place from Monday, July 11 to Friday, July 15 and the following week from Monday, July 18 to Friday, July 22. 
  • Each direction of I-25 at Exit 11 will be fully closed for approximately four hours each day.
  • Northbound I-25 will be closed in the morning, followed by southbound I-25 in the afternoon.
  • Only one direction of I-25 at Exit 11 will be closed at a time.
  • During the full closures, mainline I-25 traffic will be detoured onto the Exit 11 off ramps and back onto I-25 via the on ramps
  • In the event of inclement weather, the work and closures will be rescheduled
  • Minimal impacts to distance and short delays can be expected 
  • Exit 11 is located on I-25 at Mile Point 11, or 11 miles from the New Mexico/Colorado border
  • Motorists should follow the signs and posted speed limits and exercise caution as the ramps are also under temporary detour configuration
  • All construction schedules are weather dependent and subject to change

Work Underway

CDOT and contractor Flatiron Construction are constructing a new bridge approximately 100 feet south of the existing structure. Work includes concrete coating and waterproofing the bridge deck, adding pedestrian fencing and safety features, painting the retaining walls, and paving and performing concrete flatwork at the new roundabouts. 

The new bridge is part of the I-25 Exit 11 Interchange Improvement project that began in mid-July 2021. The project is designed to improve infrastructure, upgrade facilities, add safety features, and improve access to Fishers Peak and area destinations. Work includes replacing the bridge, building ramp crossovers, constructing new roundabouts at the east and west sides of the interchange to improve traffic flow, adding pedestrian facilities, and improving access to the Port of Entry. Work is being performed in four phases with an expected completion date of late 2022.

Project Information 

For additional information about this project:

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:

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!

Download the COtrip App!

The new FREE COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!