The Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor TLM Construction will begin a region-wide timber bridge rehabilitation project on April 27 along US Highway 50 and several other state routes across five southeast Colorado counties, work expected to strengthen aging bridges and continue through December.

The project spans Pueblo, Custer, Otero, Las Animas and Huerfano counties and covers bridges on US Highway 50, US Highway 350, Colorado Highway 10, Colorado Highway 69, Colorado Highway 96, Colorado Highway 165 and Colorado Highway 202.

Crews will add steel sister beams to the existing timber girders to reinforce the structures. CDOT said the work will enhance safety for the traveling public and extend the service life of the aging bridges.

“The structural reinforcement of the beams will extend the lifespan of each bridge in this rehabilitation project,” said Southeast Region Transportation Director Shane Ferguson. “These improvements will ensure the safety of the traveling public for years to come.”

Traffic impacts

Beginning April 27, motorists and area residents can expect single-lane and shoulder closures, narrowed lanes with 11-foot width restrictions, reduced shoulders and reduced speeds in the work zone. Work will take place during daylight hours Monday through Friday. Construction schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change.

The project is scheduled for completion in December.