The Archuleta County Road & Bridge Department will begin preparation this week on the currently closed Pagosa Junction Bridge located at the south end of Trujillo Road (CR500) near Cat Creek Road (CR700). The bridge has been closed since May 5th. 2023, after receiving a report from the Colorado department of Transportation (CDOT) which rendered the bridge unsafe. Disregard of necessary bridge weight limitations combined with improper use of the bridge forced the closure earlier this year.
The current bridge began receiving preparations for the temporary replacement starting yesterday, October 31.
“We (Road & Bridge) will have to bring in aggregate to raise the road,” explained Mike Torres, Public Works Director for Archuleta County. He added the crew will also “build landings on both entrances of the temporary bridge.”
The temporary replacement will be trucked in from Pennsylvania arriving Monday, November 6, at a cost of $191,615. Anticipated completion of the project is Friday, November 10.
“This will be a great benefit to local residents in the area,” commented County Manager Derek Woodman. “This has been a long time coming for those who live in the area and commute to town. The county wishes to thank all of those who voiced concern over the closure in the past few months and for their patience while we worked to find a solution.”
The 2024 budget proposal has funds included for a permanent bridge to be put in place early next year but must first be approved by the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC).
Ashley Springer began working as Archuleta County Communications Specialist and Public Information Officer in 2023.