CDOT has started construction to replace aging I-76 bridges over York Street in Adams County

Travel Advisory

June 29, 2022 - Central/Eastern Colorado

Adams County — The Colorado Department of Transportation and Flatiron Constructors Inc. have started work to replace the aging I-76 bridges over York Street and reconstruct much of the driving surface on I-76 from York to Dahlia streets in Adams County. The project is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2024.

Built in 1967, the I-76 bridges are deteriorating, requiring multiple repairs. They need to be permanently replaced for the long-term safety of the traveling public. Other roadway improvements, such as new pavement, will greatly improve the driving surface.

“Replacing the I-76 bridges over York Street provides the opportunity to improve the quality of life for those who regularly travel through the project area for jobs, school and other daily needs,” said CDOT Region 1 Transportation Director Jessica Myklebust. “This project also benefits the freight community that rely on the infrastructure to make deliveries of many goods and services by creating a safer merge onto I-76. Investment in this project will have lasting benefits to the economy both locally and regionally.”

Existing -76 bridge over York St.

How will the project be delivered?

  • I-76 bridge replacement over York Street: There are currently two I-76 bridges over York Street, one going eastbound and the other westbound. These aging bridges are narrow with a gap in between. The project will replace these two separate bridges with one combined, stronger structure. The new bridge will remain as two lanes in each direction with wider shoulders, making for a safer and more resilient structure. A barrier will be installed in the median to reduce glare from traffic lights at night.
  • Westbound I-76 auxiliary lane: An auxiliary lane will be added on westbound I-76 from 74th Avenue to the I-270 off ramp. This auxiliary lane will improve the safety of traffic merging in and out of westbound I-76 from 74th Avenue and the I-270 off ramp, easing bottleneck issues.
  • 74th Avenue ramps reconstruction: The driving surface will be rebuilt on the 74th Avenue ramps connecting to I-76. This work, in conjunction with the auxiliary lane on westbound I-76, will improve safety for traffic when merging into and out of westbound I-76 from 74th Avenue and at the I-270 off ramp, along with easing bottleneck issues.
  • Pavement reconstruction: Most of the pavement will be reconstructed on I-76 from York to Dahlia streets.

Traffic impacts

Motorists should watch for traffic shifts on the I-76 bridge over York Street as crews have started bridge work. Two lanes of travel will be maintained in each direction during the daytime and high-peak travel hours, but travel lanes will be narrow. Work takes place behind concrete barriers during the weekdays. Single lane closures in each direction may occur from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday – Thursday. It’s extremely important that motorists pay attention and heed the speed limit in this tight construction zone for the safety of crews and motorists.

Later this fall, there will be short-term overnight full closures of I-76 (either eastbound or westbound, but not both directions) from I-270 to 88th Avenue to install overhead signs and set girders, or bridge supports. These would be three one-night closures. During these closures, York Street will be closed from 66th Avenue to East 74th Avenue to allow for girder erection, bridge demolition and deck pours.

There will be long-term closures of the 74th Avenue ramps to I-76 beginning later this summer, with detours in place.

Stay informed

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:

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!

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