The Colorado Department of Transportation began work on April 14 to remove and replace the US Highway 40 bridge over Shelton Ditch at the east end of Hayden. The project will replace the existing timber bridge at Mile Point 108 with a concrete box culvert designed to support commercial vehicle loads and accommodate traffic between Craig and Steamboat Springs.
This project is significant for travelers and residents who rely on this busy stretch of highway. A temporary detour will be constructed to maintain traffic flow during the removal of the old bridge and installation of the new structure. Additional work includes replacing guardrails, with United Companies from Grand Junction serving as contractor for the $2.4 million effort.
Daytime construction hours are scheduled from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, in order to minimize disruption during peak commuter times. Traffic will be reduced intermittently to a single lane in either direction while the detour is being built, and speed limits through the work zone will be set at 30 miles per hour. The Colorado Department of Transportation expects completion by early October.
Several other projects are taking place along US Highway 40 this season, according to information available at COtrip.org. For further details about this specific project, members of the public can call a dedicated information line or visit codot.gov/projects/US40sheltonditchbridge.
According to the official website, Shoshana Lew serves as executive director for the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). CDOT oversees transportation infrastructure across Colorado, including highways, aviation, and transit services as outlined on its official website. The department works to improve quality of life through integrated transportation solutions according to its official website and aims to deliver an effective multi-modal system that safely moves people, goods, and information while supporting environmental standards according to its official website. CDOT builds and maintains interstates, U.S., and state highways while also administering grants for aviation and transit projects according to its official website.
