Governor Polis Visits Rebuilt CO 165 Bridge, Thanks CDOT Workers for Taking Quick Actions That Rebuilt This Important Infrastructure for Emergency Response

BEULAH - Today, Governor Polis visited a bridge at the intersection of CO 165 and CO 78 near Beulah that was burned in the Aspen Acres fire and rebuilt overnight. On June 30th, the Aspen Acres Fire destroyed this bridge and CDOT workers quickly sprung into action, rebuilding it in under 11 hours, ensuring emergency responders have access to the area for fire response.

"In Colorado's time of need, there is no shortage of bravery, collaboration, and Coloradans willing to roll up our sleeves to get brave first responders what they need to protect our communities from fires. This was a ground-up solution that displayed the creativity, commitment, and dedication of our state workers. I was proud to hear how CDOT workers came together to rebuild this bridge in under 11 hours and thank them," said Governor Polis.

"I am so proud of the CDOT maintenance team that sprang to action in an all-hands-on-deck effort to help their neighbors retain safe access to communities in the Pueblo area. Led by Jeff Van Metre, one of senior leaders who runs CDOT maintenance section 4, our colleagues worked through the night to create a temporary bridge structure on Highway 165 that keeps an important ingress and egress point open to first responders and evacuees. Come snow or fire, our team is ready to respond with ingenuity and urgency," said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew.

CDOT employees, led by Southeastern Colorado Maintenance Superintendent Jeff VanMatre, brought their heads together and came up with the innovative solution that fixed this bridge in under 11 hours. Corrugated metal pipes were used as make-shift culverts and recycled asphalt was quickly found to temporarily rebuild the bridge. This effort, which took less than 11 hours and cost between $125,000 and $150,000, allowed emergency responders to access the area for important fire response efforts.

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