The Colorado Department of Transportation announced on April 20 that it will start a region-wide bridge rehabilitation project in southeast Colorado beginning April 27. The work, carried out with TLM Construction, will take place across Pueblo, Custer, Otero, Las Animas and Huerfano counties along US Highway 50, US 350, Colorado Highway 10, CO 69, CO 96, CO 165 and CO 202.
The project aims to strengthen existing timber bridges by adding steel sister beams to the current timber girders. This is intended to reinforce aging structures and extend their lifespans. The improvements are scheduled for completion in December.
“The structural reinforcement of the beams will extend the lifespan of each bridge in this rehabilitation project,” said Southeast Region Transportation Director Shane Ferguson. “These improvements will ensure the safety of the traveling public for years to come.”
Motorists and residents can expect single-lane closures and shoulder closures starting April 27. There will be narrowed lanes with an eleven-foot width restriction and reduced shoulders. Speed limits in work zones will be lowered during daylight hours from Monday through Friday. All construction schedules are subject to weather conditions.
According to the official website, the Colorado Department of Transportation works to improve quality of life for state residents through integrated transportation solutions and aims to deliver a safe multi-modal system while enhancing environmental standards. Shoshana Lew serves as executive director for CDOT according to its official website. The department oversees transportation infrastructure statewide as outlined on its website and builds or maintains interstates as well as U.S. and state highways while administering grants for aviation and transit according to CDOT. CDOT operates within the transportation sector with a focus on highway maintenance along with support for aviation and transit as per its official site.
A map showing where repairs are planned is available on CDOT’s project website at codot.gov/projects/secotimberbridges.
