The Colorado Department of Transportation began work on April 14 to remove and replace the US Highway 40 bridge over Shelton Ditch at the east end of Hayden. The project will replace the existing timber bridge at Mile Point 108 with a concrete box culvert designed to support commercial vehicle loads and accommodate regular traffic between Craig and Steamboat Springs.
This project is important because US Highway 40 is a busy corridor for both local commuters and commercial vehicles. Replacing the aging timber structure with a modern culvert aims to improve safety, reliability, and efficiency for travelers in Routt County.
A temporary detour will be constructed to maintain traffic flow during removal of the old bridge and installation of the new culvert. Additional improvements include replacing guardrails. The Colorado Department of Transportation said that daytime work hours will run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, in order to accommodate commuter traffic along this stretch. Vehicles will be reduced to single-lane, alternating traffic as needed while construction is underway, with speed limits reduced to 30 miles per hour through the work zone. The $2.4 million project is expected to finish by early October.
United Companies from Grand Junction has been selected as contractor for this project.
According to the official website, Shoshana Lew serves as executive director for the Colorado Department of Transportation, which oversees transportation infrastructure across Colorado. The department works on improving quality of life through integrated transportation solutions according to its official website. It delivers an effective multi-modal system that safely transports people, goods, and information while maintaining environmental standards according to its official website.
The department builds and maintains interstates, U.S. highways, state highways, and administers grants for aviation and transit according to its official website. It operates in highway maintenance as well as support for aviation and transit throughout Colorado as per its official site.
Several other projects are also taking place this season along US Highway 40; more information can be found at COtrip.org or by contacting CDOT directly.
