I-25 bridge safety project begins in Walsenburg

Project Update

March 21, 2023 - Southeastern Colorado - Work will improve safety of two structures at Exit 50

Huerfano County — The Colorado Department of Transportation will begin an important infrastructure upgrade project on Interstate 25 at Exit 50 in Walsenburg in late March. This state and federally funded project is designed to improve the safety of two bridges to support increased traffic on the I-25 corridor. Siete, Inc. of Rye, Colorado has been selected as the prime contractor for the project.

Built in the 1960s, the structures cross over Colorado Highway 10 and the BNSF and Union Pacific railroad lines. Due to its age, heavy usage and seasonal weather, the southbound bridge is reaching the end of its lifespan and will be removed and replaced. To achieve this, the northbound bridge’s deck will be rehabilitated, and median crossovers built to shift traffic. Other planned work includes widening and improving the on and off ramps, relocating a sanitary sewer line, and adding guardrails, signs, and safety features.

The sequence of work consists of first building median crossovers to shift traffic on I-25, which is expected to take approximately sixty days. Shifting traffic will enable CDOT to maintain two open lanes of traffic in each direction of I-25 throughout the period of construction. Crews will then begin rehabilitating the northbound bridge deck and performing sanitary sewer line and ramp widening work before moving into the final phase of removing and replacing the southbound bridge structure.

Motorists can expect minor impacts to traffic on I-25 and below the bridges on CO 10 during the first two phases of work. During the removal and replacement of the southbound bridge, more traffic impacts will be in place including some overnight lane and ramp closures on I-25 and on CO 10, with detours in place.

"CDOT has identified bridges in need of repair and replacement and together with local communities we’ve worked hard at a state level to find funding for projects like this one," said Shane Ferguson, CDOT Regional Transportation Director. "This project is part of our commitment to bring the bridges along the southern section of I-25 up to today’s standards. We want to thank our federal government partners for their advocacy to garner more funding for future bridge replacement projects, which complements the funding we've identified at a state level."

Project map for I-25 Bridge Replacement in Walsenburg

Map for the I-25 Bridge Replacement project in Walsenburg

Location

The project is located on I-25 at Exit 50 (Mile Point 50.055) in the City of Walsenburg, Huerfano County. The location serves as a connector to US Highway 160 to the west and CO 10 to the east and also crosses over the BNSF and Union Pacific railroads. The project limits extend for one mile in each direction of I-25 from Mile Point 49.05 to MP 51.05.

Schedule & Working Hours

The project is scheduled to begin in late March. This two-season project is expected to be completed in September 2024. Working hours are 30 minutes after sunrise to 30 minutes before sunset, Monday to Friday. Some overnight and weekend work is expected.

Travel Impacts

Motorists can expect the following:

  • Lane closures in both directions of I-25 and on CO 10 below the bridges during various phases of work
    Traffic shifts once median crossovers are built
  • Reduced speeds through the work zone
  • Narrowed lanes and reduced shoulders
  • Detour, with 10 miles added to the route, and up to 10 minutes added to travel time
  • Signs will be posted to alert motorists to the closures and available detour routes
  • Width restrictions will exist during certain work activities
  • Delays can also be expected at another location of I-25 due to a resurfacing project at Exit 59 (Butte Creek)

Project Information 

For additional information about this project, contact the project team:

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!

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