The Colorado Department of Transportation is beginning a winter season road project on Highway 285 through Antonito that will create full stops both northbound and southbound for up to 15 minutes.
The CDOT Conejos River bridges project includes improvements to two bridges over the Conejos River on US Highway 285. The bridges are located south of Alamosa and about a mile north of Antonito (Mile Point 7 to 8).
This winter season project, which will take advantage of low water flows, includes resurfacing a bridge deck at the structure over the North Branch Conejos River, MP 7.59, and completely replacing the bridge structure with a concrete box culvert at the Conejos River, MP 7.82, further north on the highway.
Work is expected to be completed by March 2026.
Construction will begin at the northern bridge site at the Conejos River. A temporary bridge will be constructed to allow traffic to detour around the northern bridge while work is taking place. For motorist safety, there will be a 24/7 single-lane alternating traffic guided by a temporary traffic signal.
Full stops, both northbound and southbound, for up to 15 minutes can be expected for the duration of the project. The one-lane closure may be implemented when needed. There will also be times when flaggers will support the installation and removal of the one-lane detour and to assist project activity and traffic safety.
Toward the end of work at the north bridge structure, the construction team will start work activity on the southern bridge location.