The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), working with contractor Structures, Inc. of Englewood, will start a timber bridge repair project on September 9 in southwest Colorado. The project covers three bridges located in Ouray, Saguache, and Conejos Counties. CDOT expects the work to finish by mid-November.
Julie Constan, CDOT Regional Transportation Director, said, “This is a cost-effective preservation project to increase the longevity of three bridge structures along critical transportation routes that provide key connections to rural communities and services. While the bridges are currently in good condition, the upcoming work will prevent the need for costly rehabilitation or full replacements in the future.”
The repairs involve retrofitting each timber bridge with steel beams to reinforce their existing timber girders.
In Ouray County, repairs will take place on US Highway 550 between Ouray and Ridgway over Cutler Creek at Mile Point 98.3. This portion is scheduled from September 9 through late September.
In Saguache County, work will occur on US Highway 50 just east of Sargents over Brush Creek at Mile Point 189.7. Repairs here are set to begin in early October and should be completed by late October.
For Conejos County near La Jara, repairs will happen just west of US Highway 285 on Colorado Highway 15 over La Jara Creek at Mile Point 30. Work is planned for late October through mid-November.
Construction at each site will be completed before moving to the next location. Drivers can expect traffic impacts including full stops, alternating traffic patterns, and delays of up to 15 minutes during the repair periods.
