Conejos River bridge improvements on US 285 begin Nov. 17

Project Announcement

Conejos County - The Colorado Department of Transportation and contract partner WW Clyde will begin bridge improvements to two bridges over the Conejos River on US Highway 285 starting Monday, Nov. 17. The bridges are located south of Alamosa and about a mile north of Antonito (Mile Point 7 to 8). This winter season project, which will take advantage of low water flows, includes resurfacing a bridge deck at the structure over the North Branch Conejos River, MP 7.59, and completely replacing the bridge structure with a concrete box culvert at the Conejos River, MP 7.82, further north on the highway. Work is expected to be completed by March 2026.

Construction will begin at the northern bridge site at the Conejos River. A temporary bridge will be constructed to allow traffic to detour around the northern bridge while work is taking place. For motorist safety, there will be a 24/7 single-lane alternating traffic guided by a temporary traffic signal. Full stops, both northbound and southbound, for up to 15 minutes can be expected throughout the duration of the project. The one-lane closure may be implemented when needed. There will also be times when flaggers will be utilized to support the installation and removal of the one-lane detour and to assist project activity and traffic safety.

Towards the end of work at the north bridge structure, the construction team will start work activity on the southern bridge location.

This bridge project will benefit the public by providing a safer and more reliable concrete box structure at the northern location. At the southern bridge, resurfacing the deck will prolong the life of the structure as well as providing a smoother surface for motorists.

Traffic Impacts

Beginning Nov. 17, work hours will range from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Traffic impacts will include:

• At MP 7.82 traffic will be reduced to single lane alternating traffic and directed to a detour around the bridge. 24/7 traffic will be guided by traffic control or a temporary traffic signal
• Once work begins on the southern bridge at MP 7.82, traffic will be reduced to single lane alternating traffic directed by traffic control
• Motorists can expect 15-minute delays
• Speeds will be reduced to 40 MPH through the work zone
• Traffic fines will be doubled in the work zone
• Motorists should slow down as they approach the work zone, drive with caution, allow extra space between vehicles and give themselves extra travel time

Project Information

For additional information about this project:

• Call the project information line at 719-280-4749
• Email the project team at: [email protected]
• Visit the project website at: codot.gov/projects/us285conejosbridge

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:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
• Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
• Check scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

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!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!