CDOT to begin CO 86 Kiowa Bridge replacement in Elbert County

Project Announcement

Elbert County - The Colorado Department of Transportation, in partnership with HEI Civil, will begin work on the Colorado Highway 86 Kiowa Bridge replacement project over Kiowa Creek in Kiowa.

Beginning Monday, March 16, crews will replace the existing bridge structure to improve safety, resiliency and long-term operations along CO 86. This $5.1 million project is anticipated to be completed by winter 2026.

Traffic Impacts

Motorists can expect:

• Temporary traffic shifts and reduced speeds through the work zone
• Detour operations during bridge replacement activities, including a temporary shoofly detour to maintain traffic through the work zone
• Work occurring in both directions on CO 86
• Oversized load width restrictions during certain phases of construction
• Motorists are urged to slow down and drive with caution through the work zone. Automated flagging systems will be present
• Additional traffic changes may occur as construction progresses. Work and impacts are weather-dependent and subject to change.

Project Contact Information

• Website: codot.gov/projects/co86kiowabridge
• Phone: (719) 749-7426
• Email: [email protected]

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!