CDOT begins replacement of 17 structures in southeast Colorado

News Release

July 6, 2022 - Southeastern Colorado - Visit our Virtual Open House for a sneak peek at the project scope, timeline, impacts and benefits.

The Colorado Department of Transportation and its contracting partner CapitalTezak Joint Venture, will begin replacement efforts of 17 structurally deficient rural structures in southeastern Colorado. These 17 structures are located on three separate essential corridors in southeast Colorado – Colorado Highway 9, United States Highway 24 and United States Highway 350.

Construction crews will mobilize construction equipment in the area after the Fourth of July, with traffic impacts to follow. Construction completion on this $43 million project is slated for late 2024. The purpose of this project is to provide necessary improvements to these 17 structures so motorists can be ensured that they are driving on more stable and up to date structures with life spans of 100 years.

“Improvements to the 17 structures on these routes will help provide rural mobility, intra- and interstate commerce distribution, movement of agricultural products and supplies and access to tourist destinations,” said Shoshana Lew, CDOT Executive Director. “We hope this project adds trip reliability and safety for its key users for years to come.”

Construction on all 17 structures will not be simultaneous. Three structures will be replaced on CO 9 between Cañon City and Alma, five structures will be replaced on US 24 between Florissant and Antero Junction and nine structures will be replaced on US 350 between La Junta and Trinidad. Crews will start work on multiple structures at a time on the plains region structures (US 350), while only working on one structure at a time on the mountain region structures (US 24/CO 9). Construction on the plains region structures will occur year-long, while construction on the mountain region structures may halt during the winter months. Construction of the first structure will begin in July in the mountain region on the CO 9 corridor near Guffey. Construction of the three structures will begin in July in the plains region on the US 350 corridor near Timpas.

CDOT invites stakeholders, community members and other interested parties in Otero, Las Animas, Fremont, Park, Teller and Chafee counties and beyond to visit the project’s Virtual Open House website. The Open House will remain live for three months.

2022 Traffic Impacts

Mountain region 

  • Pipe Structure located at CO 9 – Mile Post 15.9
  • Construction July – September 2022
  • Reduced to signalized, alternating single lane traffic

  • Bridge located at US 24 – MP 240.668
  • Construction is August to October 2022
  • Reduced to signalized, alternating single lane traffic
  • 14-day full closure of US 24 and detour

Plains region 

  • Three bridges located at US 350, MP 57.5, MP 57.1 and MP 56.5
  • Construction is July to October 2022
  • Reduced to signalized, alternating single lane traffic
  • 21-day full closure of US 350 and detour

  • Bridge located at US 350 – MP 69.8
  • Construction is October to November 2022
  • Reduced to signalized, alternating single lane traffic

Traffic impacts are subject to change due to weather. Know before you go by calling our project hotline, checking our project website or signing up for email updates.

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!