US 40 Elk River Bridge Replacement

Project Background

US 40 is an important highway, one of only three east-west routes through Colorado. It provides a vital regional link, serves as an alternate route to I-70 and I-80 (in Wyoming), and connects communities in northwest Colorado through Yampa River Basin ranch lands. The bridge over the East Fork of the Elk River is a critical component of a highway that also provides access to local homes, businesses and ranches.

The Elk River Bridge was built in 1958 and was identified for replacement in 2010 due to a low sufficiency rating. Because of its poor rating, the bridge was eligible for funding from the Colorado Bridge Enterprise (CBE), as well as Federal Bridge Replacement Funds. Because the bridge is functionally obsolete, CDOT is replacing it with a structure that meets current federal standards and maximizes safety features of this section of US 40 for decades to come.

Duckles Construction, Inc. is the contractor for this $3.1 million project, which is funded through the Colorado Bridge Enterprise (CBE).

What to Expect

During construction, the old bridge will be removed, shoulder widths will increase, and the bridge piers will be re-aligned with the river. The end product will cause the least impact possible to the surrounding area, and will improve sight distance, snow storage, and the hydraulic conditions at the bridge.

In order to maintain two lanes of traffic during all phases of construction, a temporary bridge will be located just to the north of the existing bridge, requiring a temporary shift of US 40. Once the new bridge is finished and available for use, the temporary bridge and roadway will be removed and the area will be restored to its original state.

Current Traffic Impacts

Traffic is now running on the newly constructed bridge. As the temporary bridge is dismantled and removed there will continue to be periods when traffic will be reduced to one lane resulting in short traffic stops. Project completion is scheduled for November 2013.

What is the CBE?

The Colorado Bridge Enterprise (CBE) was formed in 2009 as part of the FASTER (Funding Advancement for Surface Transportation and Economic Recovery) legislation. The purpose of the CBE is to finance, repair, reconstruct and replace bridges designated as structurally deficient or functionally obsolete, and rated in poor condition. This additional transportation funding is essential to maintaining and improving the safety of our bridges.