Colorado Department of Transportation begins replacement of bridge structure southwest of La Junta

Travel Advisory

October 9, 2023 - Southeastern Colorado - Requires a 21-day full closure on US 350

Otero County —­­ The Colorado Department of Transportation and CapitalTezak JV will implement a 21-day closure with an approved detour beginning at 9 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 23 for replacement of a bridge structure located on U.S. Highway 350 southwest of La Junta. The structure, originally built in 1935 and is structurally deficient and obsolete, will be replaced with a concrete box culvert (CBC). The closure will be complete by 9 a.m., Monday, Nov. 13.

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. The purpose of the 21-day closure is to limit construction duration, increase crew and motorist safety and minimize impacts to the Otero Ditch Canal. A detour will be in place.

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.
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.

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.

In addition, a traffic switch on US 350 for construction on a structure east of Trinidad is scheduled to occur Monday, Oct. 16. Traffic will be switched to a signalized, single-lane detour structure configuration between mile post 10.0 and 10.5 for approximately three months.

Traffic Impacts & Detour Route

  • 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
  • The 21-day closure will be in place beginning 9 a.m., Monday, Oct. 23 and run continuously until Monday, Nov. 13
  • Motorists can expect to add approximately 10 miles and 10 additional minutes of travel time with the detour
  • Signalized, alternating single lane traffic between mile post 10.0 and 10.5 east of Trinidad beginning October 16 for approximately three months
  • Lane closures and other traffic notices are posted weekly to COtrip.org
  • Lane closures and shoulder closures are possible before and after the closure
  • 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:

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!