Repair work on three bridges will begin Sept. 23 south of Durango as part of a $2.6 million project expected to be complete in spring 2020.
The project is part of the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Whole Safety initiative, which aims to improve driving conditions and extend the lifespan of bridges.
The bridge rehabilitation project has been dubbed by CDOT as RAMP Bridge Preventative Maintenance Program. It will consist of removing and replacing existing asphalt and deck concrete, installing waterproofing membrane and removing and replacing bridge expansion devices.
The project includes three bridge locations:
The first bridge is at U.S. Highway 550/160, about 2½ miles south of downtown Durango at the Animas River. The bridge, known as the High Bridge, is between Bodo Industrial Park and Walmart.The other two bridges are on U.S. Highway 550 at mileposts 1.95 and 1.2, near the Colorado-New Mexico border.Work will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
In a news release, CDOT spokeswoman Lisa Schwantes said drivers will experience single-lane closures throughout the project. Lane closures will be directed by flaggers and a temporary traffic signal. The speed limit will be reduced to 40 mph within the work zone.
Traffic fines will be doubled in the work zone. Motorists should slow down and drive with caution.
At the High Bridge, travelers are urged to consider using the alternate route of Colorado Highway 3.
“This project not only will create better and safer driving conditions for travelers, it also will help to extend the lifespan of the bridges,” Schwantes said.
Visit www.COtrip.org online for updated road conditions and travel information.
Highway 3 alternate route (PDF)
