Bridge work complete on CO 9 near Alma

Travel Advisory

November 27, 2023 - Southeastern Colorado - Region 2 Bridge Bundle project update - West/mountain region

Original bridge located on CO 9 north of Alma at the base of Hoosier Pass at mile point 71.5Completed bridge located on CO 9 north of Alma at the base of Hoosier Pass at mile point 71.5
Before (left) and after (right) photos of the bridge located on CO 9 north of Alma at the base of Hoosier Pass at mile point 71.5

Park County —­­ The Colorado Department of Transportation and its contracting partner CapitalTezak Joint Venture have finished replacing the bridge located on CO 9, north of Alma at the base of Hoosier Pass (mile 71.5). The bridge was originally built in 1938, and was structurally deficient and functionally obsolete. For the safety of the traveling public, a new structure was required. It was replaced with an aluminum box culvert with aluminum headwalls and wingwalls.

Construction required closing CO 9 for seven days, allowing the contractor to get in and out of the area. It saved 91 days of one-lane, alternating traffic, decreasing project costs, construction duration, the possibility of delays due to adverse weather and impacts to wetlands, wildlife habitats and migration patterns. View the 7-day timelapse video of crews demolishing and rebuilding the CO 9 bridge structure.

Prior to construction, CDOT conducted outreach to various local agencies and organizations to receive approval for the CO 9 closure.

Construction continues on replacing the bridge on US 24 east of Hartsel (mile 240.6). The new structure is an aluminum box culvert. Crews switched traffic back to its original and permanent configuration on Friday, Nov. 17. The speed limit is 55 MPH, the limit prior to construction.

Two additional structures complete on US 24 between Divide and Florissant

Before and after of the structures along US 24 between Divide and Florissant at mile points 271.7 and 271.9.
Before and after of the structures along US 24 between Divide and Florissant at mile points 271.7 and 271.9.

Teller County – The Colorado Department of Transportation and its contracting partner CapitalTezak Joint Venture have replaced the structures along US 24 between Divide and Florissant at mile points 271.7 and 271.9. Both were upgraded with custom fabricated Glass Reinforced Plastic inserts.

The completed work will help improve and prolong the life of the bridges, offering a higher quality driving experience for travelers. Maintaining the structural integrity of highway bridges is crucial for maintaining safety for all motorists.

Project Contact Information

Project Overview

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:

  • Colorado Highway (CO) 9
  • US Highway 24
  • US Highway 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 and the main north/south corridor traveling through west-central Colorado. Highway 9 also serves as an alternate evacuation route for natural incidents, such as floods and fires.

The importance of US 24 Corridor (Mountain Region)

Five structures on US 24 between Florissant and Antero Junction will be replaced. US 24 provides route access across the Rocky Mountains, is a vital economic corridor connecting front range communities to western slope communities, and is one of only three major east/west alternatives in Colorado.

The importance of US 350 Corridor (Plains Region)

Nine structures to be reconstructed between La Junta and Trinidad. It provides a connection between Interstate 25 and US 50 (saving many miles for freight traffic), and is a designated route for hazardous waste, gasoline, diesel and liquefied petroleum. Highway 350 also is a major access point to the US Army’s Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site.

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!