Bridge replacement work requiring 21-day full closure on Highway 350

Project Update

October 17, 2023 - Southeastern Colorado - Work has been rescheduled for Monday, Oct. 30

Otero County —­­ The 21-day closure required by Colorado Department of Transportation is being pushed back by one week. The closure will now start at 9 a.m., Monday, Oct. 30 and last until 9 a.m., Monday, Nov. 20. This decision was made to ensure the crews had sufficient preparations completed before impacting the public and the team could successfully reopen the highway in the 21-day timeframe. The new schedule will not impact the Otero Ditch Canal, and water will still be able to start running on Nov. 15.

The bridge replacement work will occur on US 350 between mile posts 59.5 and 72. The structure, which spans over the Otero Ditch Canal, is located three miles southwest of the US 50 junction in La Junta.

Closing US 350 for 21-days will minimize construction duration by saving approximately two months of a single lane structure detour, decrease project costs, prevent unnecessary disturbance to the Otero Ditch Canal, allow crews to get in and out of the area quicker, and increase crew and motorist safety. A detour will be in place.

Variable message boards, signs and construction devices will be present alerting motorists of the closure and detour route. The closure/detour provides minimal construction impacts and will prevent unnecessary disturbance to the Otero Ditch Canal. The closure is part of the Region 2 Bridge Bundle project that began in 2022.

US 350 Detour Map Between La Junta and Timpas
During the extended closure, US 350 will be closed. All traffic will utilize CO 71 and CO 10. County Road Y and access to local properties will remain open.

Traffic stops up to 30 minutes are scheduled on US 350 on Tuesday, Oct. 24 and Thursday, Oct. 26, from 7 a.m. to noon daily, at a construction site between Delhi and Timpas (mile point 50.582). The stops will allow girders to be set for a new bridge structure.

Traffic Impacts & Detour Route

  • Tuesday, Oct. 24 and Thursday, Oct. 26 from 7 a.m. to noon daily
    • Intermittent traffic holds of US 350, between Delhi and Timpas
    • Anticipated delays: Up to 30 minutes
  • 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 30 through 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 30
    • 21-day full closure of US 350, between mile post 59.5 to 72
    • Detour route: use CO 71 and CO 10. County Road Y and access to local properties will remain open
    • Motorists can expect to add approximately 10 miles and 10 additional minutes of travel time with the detour
    • Lane closures and shoulder closures are possible before and after the closure
  • Lane closures and other traffic notices are posted weekly to COtrip.org
  • All construction schedules are weather dependent and subject to change
  • Motorists are reminded to drive slowly and obey the posted speed limit

Project 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

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: