On Sunday, November 11th, weather permitting, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will begin a bridge replacement project at I-25 and 128th Avenue. The project will replace the existing 128th Avenue bridge over I-25 with one that is approximately 73 feet wide to accommodate two through lanes in each direction as well as a 10-foot sidewalk on each side.
"Even though the new bridge will be able to accommodate two lanes in each direction, it will only be striped for one lane in each direction," said CDOT Resident Engineer John Schwab. "When 128 th Avenue is widened in the future, the bridge can then be striped for two through lanes in each direction without additional work taking place on the bridge."
The project will start off quick with crews completely closing 128th Avenue between Lincoln Street and Delaware Street. This closure will begin at 7 p.m. on Sunday, November 11th and will be in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the duration of the project. Motorists will be detoured to Washington Street or Huron Street and then over to 120th Avenue or 136th Avenue and back to I-25.
"The most efficient way for us to replace the bridge is to demolish it and construct a whole new structure," added Schwab. "By proceeding in this manner, we will be able to construct the new bridge in seven to eight months rather than a year or more, which will ultimately reduce the impacts to traffic."
In addition to the closure of 128th Avenue, motorists can expect the following lane closures on I-25 next week,
Sunday, November 11 th through Thursday, November 15 th, for bridge demolition:
7 p.m. to 10 p.m.: A single lane of northbound and southbound I-25 will be closed between 120th Avenue and 136 th Avenue.
10 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.:
Alllanes of northbound and southbound I-25 between 120 th Avenue and 136 th Avenue will be closed.
Northbound I-25 Detour: Motorists on northbound I-25 will exit at 120 th Avenue and go east to Washington Street. Then take Washington Street north to 136 th Avenue where there is access to I-25.
Southbound I-25 Detour: Motorists on southbound I-25 will exit at 136 th Avenue and go west to Huron Street. Then take Huron Street south to 120 th Avenue where there is access to I-25.
Major delays are expected during the demolition and alternate routes are strongly advised. CDOT would like to remind motorists to pay attention, plan ahead and most of all, "Slow for the Cone Zone."
Jalisco International Inc. is the contractor for this $6.3 million project. The entire project will be complete by the end of June 2008.