Bridge work prompts short-term closure of Two Rivers Parkway
Published on September 12, 2023
Beyond the effort to strengthen the driving surface of Two Rivers Parkway, an important aspect of the project was improving the bridge as well. A few final elements of that work need to be completed, and on Monday, the Weld County Board of Commissioners granted a six-day full closure of Two Rivers Parkway, which will allow crews time to remove existing bridge and approach rails and install new, permanent ones. Additionally, crews will remove a fiber optic utility from under the bridge. The road will be fully closed beginning Sept. 24 through Sept. 29, 2023.
“We understand that a closure so soon after Two Rivers Parkway reopened is an inconvenience, but it’s necessary to deliver these final improvements to the bridge,” said Mike Freeman, Weld County Commissioner Chair. “Our focus with this project was bettering the road itself along with the bridge so that Two Rivers Parkway could continue being an asset to the traveling public, just as it has been since 1997 when it was officially created. The steps taken during this six-day closure are aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency and will allow Public Works to fulfill its goal of delivering the best enhancements possible.”
Supply-chain issues slowed the arrival of new bridge rail material, effectively preventing installation during the original project closure. Both Weld County and bridge contractor, TLM Constructors, identified the issue earlier this year and took steps to find material and avoid a delay in the completion of bridge work. In February, the board of commissioners approved Public Works’ 2023 Bridge Rehabilitation Contract via emergency bid to TLM Constructors, which allowed more time to locate supplies. When it became clear that supplies would arrive late, temporary approach and bridge rails were installed. This avoided a significant delay in the overall completion of the Two Rivers Parkway project, allowing the south half of the road to open in June and the road to fully open July 21, 2023.
“We know people have been enjoying using the new and improved Two Rivers Parkway,” said Curtis Hall, Director of the Weld County Department of Public Works. “We never want to leave a project unfinished, so we’re asking for the public’s patience for a few days while we put some important final touches on the project that we believe will enhance safety and efficiency for the traveling public, which is always our goal.”
During the six-day closure, the same detours will be utilized that were in place during the original project. They include Weld County Road (WCR) 54 between Two Rivers Parkway and Highway 257, Highway 257 between WCR 54 and Highway 60 and Highway 60 between Highway 257 and Two Rivers Parkway.
A larger detour map is below:
