The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) completed a significant bridge replacement and infrastructure improvement project on Interstate 25 at Exit 50 in Walsenburg. The project involved the replacement of the aging southbound bridge, rehabilitation of the northbound bridge deck, and upgrades to infrastructure to enhance safety, durability, and traffic flow along the corridor.
The project began in early 2023 and was completed on schedule, with Siete serving as the prime contractor. Construction crews made structural enhancements to the northbound bridge, constructed crossover detour pavement to manage traffic during the project, and entirely replaced the southbound bridge. They also widened the ramps and shoulders, relocated an adjacent sewer line, and installed new safety features along the corridor.
The bridges, built in the 1960s, span Colorado Highway 10 at the junction with Colorado Highway 160 and cross both BNSF and Union Pacific railroad lines. Years of heavy use, seasonal weather, and natural wear had caused the southbound bridge to reach the end of its lifespan, necessitating a complete replacement.
Although the northbound bridge remained structurally sound, it required deck rehabilitation to extend its service life. Additional improvements involved widening the ramps and shoulders, installing guardrails, adding signage and delineators, and relocating a nearby sewer line. These upgrades ensure that the corridor meets modern safety and performance standards.
CDOT funded the $19.3 million project using a combination of federal funds and Colorado Bridge and Tunnel Enterprise funds, demonstrating the state’s commitment to long-term transportation infrastructure investment.