Colorado Department of Transportation announces the completion of the Region 2 Bridge Bundle project

Travel Advisory

June 20, 2024 - Southeastern Colorado - 17 structures replaced ahead of schedule and under budget

Southeast and South-Central Colorado — The Colorado Department of Transportation, and its contract partner CapitalTezak Joint Venture, completed the replacement of 17 structurally deficient structures in rural southeastern and south-central Colorado. The purpose of this project was to provide necessary improvements to these structures so motorists can be ensured that they are driving on more stable and up-to-date structures with life spans of 100 years.

These structures are located on three separate essential corridors in southeast Colorado – Colorado Highway 9, United States Highway 24 and United States Highway 350. By using the Design-Build delivery method, crews were able to begin construction on the first structures while the other structures were being designed. This proved to be the most successful and efficient method of construction for this project, cutting nearly six months of construction time from the schedule. Construction completion on this $42.5 million project was slated for late 2024 but finished about five months ahead of schedule and $2 million under budget.

In 2019, the Federal Highway Competitive Bridge Program awarded funding to projects in 18 states including Colorado. The Region 2 Bridge Bundle project was awarded $12.5 million for that program to replace 14 culverts. That money was supplemented by $30 million from the Colorado Bridge and Tunnel Enterprise to complete the funding for the $42.5 million project.

“The success of this project could not have been accomplished without the support of our transportation partners and the communities involved. We appreciate that our first responder agencies modified operations, working with us to ensure that safety was maintained throughout the duration of the project. Finally, we would like to thank you - the traveling public, residents and commuters who were affected by the project - we know traveling through construction can be challenging and we appreciate your patience as we constructed these much-needed structure replacements,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew.

CDOT invites stakeholders, community members and other interested parties in Otero, Las Animas, Fremont, Park, Teller and Chafee counties and beyond to visit the project’s website or the CDOT YouTube page to view the Celebration Video and to hear from key stakeholders.

Region 2 Transportation Director Shane Ferguson said, “We are excited to see the completion of this regionally significant project having substantial safety benefits for the traveling public.”

Region 2 Bridge Bundle Celebration Video

New Bridge Structure on CO 9
New Bridge Structure on CO 9
New US 350 Structure Near La Junta
New US 350 Structure Near La Junta

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 project provided necessary improvements to 17 structures across three key corridors, 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 have been replaced include:

  • Colorado Highway (CO) 9
  • US Highway 24
  • US Highway 350

The importance of CO 9 Corridor (Mountain Region)

Three structures were reconstructed between Cañon City and Alma. CO 9 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 were reconstructed between La Junta and Trinidad. US 350 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.

Project Information

For additional information about this project:

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!