July 7, 2008
PROJECT UPDATE
SH 133 ENTRANCE TO CARBONDALE PROJECT ON
SCHEDULE, ON BUDGET
GARFIELD COUNTY – Reconstruction of the SH 133 Entrance to Carbondale is progressing well; the project is on schedule and within budget, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. SEMA Construction, Inc. of Centennial, began the project on November 5, 2007, suspended work for the winter, and will finish up by October 2008, as planned. The work was contracted to SEMA for $4.64 million.
This project, just over 70 percent complete, includes widening of the SH 133 bridge over the Roaring Fork River to 4 lanes (currently 2 lanes); adding a second turn lane on westbound SH 82 (down-valley) at the intersection with SH 133; replacing a traffic signal at this intersection; constructing a retaining wall at the bridge widening; and making drainage improvements.
Work this construction season, which began in March 2008, has involved making drainage improvements, constructing the new bridge deck for the bridge widening and switching traffic onto the new structure (which occurred on June 28). Right now, crews are removing and reconstructing the existing bridge deck (reinforced concrete with an asphalt overlay) and tying the two structures together with a raised median. The SH 82 signal and turn-lane work will be done once the bridge construction is complete.
Traffic impacts have remained minimal for the majority of the project, with the exception of a nighttime closure for structural work utilizing a crane. The two-lane traffic configuration (one lane each direction) at the SH 133 Roaring Fork River bridge has been maintained throughout the project, with minor lane shifts at the approaches to the bridge. Final project work items in the fall will include grading, seeding, wetlands mitigation on the south side, final striping and bridge rail installation. Future updates will be sent regarding a final completion date.
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