The Colorado Department of Transportation in collaboration with prime contractor CapitalTezak Joint Venture began work on two bridge structures located on US Highway 24 near Antero Junction.

These structures located at Mile Point 227.1 and 229.50 were built in 1937 and will be reconstructed concurrently. Both structures will be replaced with single aluminum box culverts (ALBCs) with reinforced concrete footings and floor. For the safety of the traveling public these structures require full replacement.

Work started in late February with shoulder closures to mobilize crews and equipment to the construction sites. In early March, crews performed preparation work to include as much as work as possible before needing to close the roadway. To minimize the length of this project there will be a 21-day closure expected to begin on April 17, with a detour. If the project were to replace these structures under single lane closures, construction for each structure would take approximately four months each. By having a 21-day closure, the construction schedule will be shortened by approximately four months.

Detour on US 285 to CO 9 for 21-day closure expected to begin on April 17 from Antero Junction to Harsel
Detour on US 285 to CO 9 for 21-day closure expected to begin on April 17 from Antero Junction to Harsel

Traffic Impacts

Antero Junction Structures – March 2023

  • CO 9 is currently open to motor vehicles
  • Shoulder closures are required from MP 227 to 229.526.
  • Intermittent lane closures

Guffey Structure (Park County)

This bridge structure will be replaced with single aluminum box culverts (ALBC) with concrete headwalls and wingwalls. Construction began in March 2023 and will be completed in five months. The structure is located on CO 9 at MP 20.1 approximately two miles south of Guffey.

  • CO 9 is currently open to motor vehicles
  • Signalized, alternating single-lane traffic begins the week of March 13
  • Beginning the week of March 6 – Shoulder closures are required from MP 19.881 to MP to 20.43.
  • Shoulder closures and occasional lane closures are possible during project

Project Information

Colorado is one of the fastest growing states in the country, and with that growth comes strain on aging transportation systems that have significant consequences in the form of growing safety and mobility problems. The purpose of this project is to provide necessary improvements to 17 structures so motorists can be ensured that they are driving on more stable and up to date structures with life spans of 100 years.

The three rural highway corridors where structures are being replaced include:

  • CO 9
  • US 24
  • US 350

The importance of CO 9 Corridor (Mountain Region):

  • Three structures to be reconstructed between Cañon City and Alma
  • Provides vital access for residents and tourists to many of the recreation destinations in the Rocky Mountains, which is essential to supporting the rural tourist-based communities
  • Major north/south corridor through the middle part of Colorado
  • Alternate route for floods & fires, community evacuation route

The importance of US 24 Corridor (Mountain Region):

  • Five structures to be reconstructed between Florissant and Antero Junction
  • A part of the National Highway System
  • Provides route across the Rocky Mountains
  • Vital economic corridor connecting front range communities to western slope communities
  • One of only three major east/west alternatives in Colorado

Construction completion of the Bridge Bundle $43 million project is slated for late 2024.

For additional information about this project:

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
  • Don’t change lanes unnecessarily.
  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be patient!

Download the COtrip App

The new FREE COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!