I-25 Bridge Replacement at Butte Creek

Project completed

About the Project

On Nov. 1, 2018, crews began a major project to replace two bridges on Interstate 25 at Exit 59 over County Road 103. Other work included making drainage and safety improvements.

The 61-year-old bridges—one northbound and one southbound have been rebuilt to meet Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidelines and support increased traffic along the I-25 corridor.

Project Facts

  • Cost: $7.3 million
  • Contractor: TLM Constructors
  • Timeline: Nov 1 2018 to Dec 8 2020
  • Location: On I-25 over Butte Creek in Huerfano County, from mile points 58.08 to 59.01

Phases

In phase 1, crews:

  • installed detour pavement
  • completed drainage work
  • removed and replaced the southbound bridge

During phase 2, crews:

  • demolished and replaced the northbound bridge
  • made significant safety improvements
  • planted vegetation and seeding for erosion control and site stabilization

Community and media outreach resulted in minimal traffic impacts.

The project is fully complete.

Milestones

  • Nov. 1, 2018: Project kickoff
    Crews cleared and prepared the median to install detour pavement before removing the southbound bridge. They also striped and completed other roadway and drainage work.
  • Jan. 3, 2019: Detour pavement and safety barriers, guardrails, and end caps completed.
    Crews also built a wider, safer southbound off-ramp at Exit 59 for vehicle pull-off and emergency response.
  • Jan. 10, 2019: Southbound bridge demolition
    Crews used the latest bridge-removal technology. Ongoing bridge-removal work will incorporate leading-edge construction methods and materials.
  • Jan. 30, 2019: Piling and caisson installation
    This work is part of the initial construction of the new southbound bridge's foundation and substructure.
  • Feb. 1, 2019: Maintenance program implementation.
  • Feb. 4, 2019: Column, abutment, falsework and pier caps formation.
  • Feb. 20, 2019: Widened southbound Exit 59 off-ramp and added traffic signal.
  • March 11, 2019: Monthly maintenance program began.
  • April 1, 2019: Girder erection began.
  • April 15, 2019: Deck and asphalt construction began.
  • May 15, 2019: Deck closure pour began.
  • Sept. 27, 2019:  Switch to full lane alignment north and southbound I-25.
  • Oct. 15, 2019:  Completion of Phase I.
  • Oct. 16, 2019:  Begin Phase II.
  • Oct. 17, 2019:  Completion of northbound detour .pavement and traffic switch to detour.
  • Oct. 24, 2019:  Start of demolition of northbound bridge.
  • Oct. 27, 2019:  Completion of demolition of northbound bridge.
  • Nov. 4, 2019:  Begin caisson drilling and pile driving for new bridge substructure.
  • Dec. 17 - 19, 2019: Girder placement completed on spans for northbound bridge.
  • Jan. 2-9, 2020: Deck pan welding completed.
  • Jan. 14-24, 2020: Completion of deck rebar placement.
  • Feb. 22, 2020:  Stage 1 completed - northbound bridge concrete deck pour.
  • June 25, 2020 - CR 103 restored to full two-lane alignment.
  • Aug. 19, 2020 - Final stage of northbound bridge deck pour.
  • Aug. 24-26, 2020 - Abutment 1 structural backfill
  • Aug. 27-28, 2020 - Sleeper slab two-part pour on northbound bridge
  • Sept. 8-13, 2020 - Concrete curb pours on northbound bridge
  • Sept. 9-10, 2020 - Estimated date of installation of bridge railing
  • Sept. 10-11, 2020 - Sandblast bridge deck
  • Sept. 11-14, 2020 - Waterproof membrane
  • Sept. 14-15, 2020 - South approach roadway paving
  • Oct. 7-19, 2020 - Sand blast and waterproof bridge deck
  • Oct. 13-16, 2020 - Install new inlet
  • Oct. 13-16, 2020 - Pave south and north approaches
  • Oct. 19-20, 2020 - Install guardrail
  • Oct. 23-24, 2020 - Poly installation
  • Oct. 25-27, 2020 - Final paving
  • Nov. 6, 2020 - Completion of northbound bridge
  • Nov. 11, 2020 - Removal of detours and restoration of lane configuration on I-25
  • Dec. 8, 2020 - Full completion of project

** All dates are estimated and subject to change.

Benefits

  • Improved Infrastructure—Both bridges were reconstructed with reinforced steel and concrete for added strength, longevity, and structural integrity. Ramps were also extended, and additional roadway, drainage, and infrastructure improvements were made in conjunction with the bridge replacements.
  • Safety—New guardrail and end caps are in place along I-25 at the site, and safety guardrail was replaced on CR 103. New signs and striping have resulted in better visibility for drivers.
  • Advanced Technology—Crews used the latest technology to construct the new bridges and employed leading edge techniques to apply safety measures at the site.

Traffic Impacts

  • The project is complete and no current impacts are in place.