The new bridge on US 34 south of Grand Lake has opened,
through construction speeds remain in place.
Crews have been working to replace the bridge spanning the
Colorado River west of Shadow Mountain Lake, roughly 2.5 miles south of Grand
Lake. Cars were able to begin driving the new bridge Wednesday.
The project, which began in April, had been slated for
completion by the end of October, but heavy snowstorms paused construction last
month. A temperate beginning to November may have allowed construction to
complete before heavier weather set in.
The speed limit remains 25 mph over the bridge, which
measures 47 feet wide and gives additional shoulder space to accommodate
bicycles and pedestrians.
Remaining construction includes the demolition of the
temporary bridge drivers have used all summer. Some work like landscaping and
other items that require warmer weather will be left for the spring.