August 28, 2008
PROJECT UPDATE
US 550 STATE LINE NORTH WIDENING PROJECT:
BRIDGE GIRDERS TO BE PLACED
Up to 20-minute travel delays possible on September 4,
while traffic is stopped for bridge girder placement
LA PLATA COUNTY – On Thursday, September 4, CDOT contractor Skanska will place girders on one of the project’s two bridge expansions. Traffic may be delayed for up to 20 minutes throughout the day (7 AM to 5:30 PM) as crews set girders for the smaller bridge just north of the state line (at about mile marker 1.25). (Girders for the large bridge just south of mile marker 2 may be placed later in the month; a notice will be sent out at that time.)
TYPICAL TRAFFIC IMPACTS: While most of the construction activities in the month of September will be performed outside the existing roadway, the speed limit will be reduced to 50 MPH during work hours, and periodically to 45 MPH or 40 MPH as needed for specific activities close to the roadway. Motorists may also encounter single-lane, alternating traffic through the work zones as required to install culverts under the existing roadway; travel delays of up to 20 minutes may be encountered in these work zones. Work hours are from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
PROJECT INFORMATION: Skanska USA Civil West Rocky Mountain District has been contracted by the Colorado Department of Transportation to build an additional two lanes of roadway on US 550 from just north of the New Mexico state line to just south of mile marker 3, near Bondad. Once complete, this area will be a divided highway with two lanes in either direction. As part of the project, crews will construct two new bridges, install deer fencing, and improve roadway approaches and drainage structures. The contract amount is $8.2 million.
Work began in June, with off-road activities. The project is scheduled for completion in June of 2009. In August of 2008, crews will be working on surveying, right of way clearing, erosion controls, culvert installations, earthwork, bridge construction, hauling and placing of crushed rock, wildlife fencing, deer guards and deer/game escape ramps (earth ramps that enable game to get up and over the fence to safety, out of the highway right of way).
MORE INFORMATION
Project Information Line: 970-764-7790
Road Condition & Traveler Information: 877-315-ROAD (or 511) or www.cotrip.org
Motorists are urged to drive slowly through the work zone and maintain a safe following distance for the safety of other motorists and highway crews. Crews greatly appreciate motorists’ going “Slow for the Cone Zone” during this safety-improvement project.