Colorado Public Utilities Commission Approves I-25 Southbound Overpass Bridge Reconstruction

Strategic Insights -

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission has given the green light for the reconstruction of the I-25 southbound overpass bridge structure over the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) and BNSF Railway Company tracks in Huerfano County, Colorado. The decision, made on January 12, 2022, grants the application filed by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) on November 17, 2021, to demolish the existing bridge and replace it with a new structure that meets current code requirements. The project aims to improve safety and reduce traffic congestion in the area.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Commission deemed the application complete and granted it, with UPRR's intervention also being acknowledged.
  • The new bridge structure will have a total length of 470'-0" from abutment to abutment, with a minimum vertical clearance of 23'-1 11/16" and a minimum horizontal clearance of 27'-0" from the centerline of an existing or future track to the face of a structure wall.
  • The project will be funded by CDOT and is estimated to cost $12,864,375.
  • CDOT proposes to start construction in May 2022 and complete it by December 31, 2023.
  • The new bridge will accommodate two 12'-0" lanes, one 12'-0" auxiliary ramp lane, one 4'-0" shoulder, and two 1'-6" Type 9 bridge rails with chain link fence.
  • CDOT estimates the existing traffic volumes using the SB I-25 roadway to be 11,231 vehicles per day (VPD), with projected growth to 12,617 VPD in 5 years and 15,851 VPD in 20 years.
  • CDOT proposes to move SB traffic over to the northbound structure with one lane in each direction during the project.

Statistics:

  • Estimated cost of the project: $12,864,375
  • Projected growth in traffic volumes on SB I-25: 12,617 VPD in 5 years, 15,851 VPD in 20 years
  • Existing traffic volumes on SB I-25: 11,231 VPD
  • Number of trains per day using the crossing: 10
  • Maximum timetable speed of trains: 40 MPH
  • Proposed construction start date: May 2022
  • Proposed construction completion date: December 31, 2023

Sources:

  • Decision No. C22-0031, Proceedings No. 21A-0552R, January 12, 2022, Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado
  • SS 40-4-106(2)(a) and (3)(a), C.R.S.
  • Rule 1403, 4 CCR 723-1 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure
  • SS 40-6-108(2), C.R.S.
  • SS 40-6-109.5, C.R.S.