Construction set to start on bridge north of Alma

Travel Advisory

August 15, 2023 - Southeastern Colorado - Structure replacement requires week-long closure of CO 9

Park County —­­ Work is underway to replace an 85-year-old bridge on CO 9, at the base of Hoosier Pass, north of Alma.

Located between County Road 6 and 4 (mile 71.5), the current bridge is structurally deficient and functionally obsolete. The Colorado Department of Transportation is replacing it with an aluminum box culvert, including aluminum headwalls and wingwalls to expedite construction, minimize traffic impacts, and maintain safety for the traveling public.

Traffic Impacts

  • August 15 to 18: Shoulder closures
  • August 21 through September 6 (No weekend work or over Labor Day Weekend): alternating single lane traffic during daylight hours
  • Beginning at 6 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 7, CO 9 will be closed to through traffic north of Alma, between County Road 6 and County Road 4. The closure continues until 6 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 14
  • Detour route: Motorists will be required to use US 24, CO 91 and I-70. Local residents still will be able to access their property

CO 9 for seven days allows the contractor to get in and out of the area in minimum time, decreases project costs, impacts to wetlands, wildlife habitats and migration patterns. Keeping the highway open would require approximately 90 days of one-lane, alternating traffic.

Prior to the closure, CDOT conducted outreach to various local agencies and organizations to receive approval for the closure. The project team has and will continue to coordinate with all impacted communities leading up to and during the closure.

CO 9 Detour Route Map

Project Overview

Region 2 Bridge Bundle Project Information

Colorado is one of the fastest growing states in the country, and with that growth comes strain on aging transportation systems that have significant consequences in the form of growing safety and mobility problems. The purpose of this project is to provide necessary improvements to 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.

The three rural highway corridors where structures are being replaced include:

CO 9, US 24 and US 350

The importance of CO 9 Corridor (Mountain Region)

  • Three structures to be reconstructed between Cañon City and Alma
  • Provides vital access for residents and tourists to many of the recreation destinations in the Rocky Mountains, which is essential to supporting the rural tourist-based communities
  • Major north/south corridor through the middle part of Colorado
  • Alternate route for floods & fires, community evacuation route

The importance of US 24 Corridor (Mountain Region)

  • Five structures to be reconstructed between Florissant and Antero Junction
  • Part of the National Highway System
  • Provides route across the Rocky Mountains
  • Vital economic corridor connecting front range communities to western slope communities
  • One of only five major east/west routes that traverse all or most of the state
  • Construction completion of the Bridge Bundle $43 million project is slated for late 2024.

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!

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!