Commuters on Highway 82 should expect delays of up to 40 minutes during work on the bridges and bridge joints in Snowmass Canyon for about one month starting on May 28, the Colorado Department of Transportation said Friday. CDOT plans extensive work this spring along a 7-mile stretch of Highway 82 from mile marker 26, near the intersection of Snowmass Creek Road, to mile marker 33, near Woody Creek. The $7.7 million project will start May 13 but the most disruptive phase will occur during bridge work for about a one-month period, according to CDOT. “Motorists should plan for 24/7 single-lane closure with 40-minute delays for bridge work from May 28 to June 28,” CDOT said in a news release. Elise Thatcher, CDOT’s Northwest Colorado Regional communications manager, said delays could be shorter than 40 minutes, but the agency wants motorists to be prepared. Before and after the bridge work, delays will generally be about 15 minutes during construction hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. “In order to reduce delays for commuter traffic, there will be no traffic impacts for CO 82 eastbound lanes from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and CO 82 westbound lanes from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.,” CDOT said in a release, “The project has an anticipated completion date October 2024.” Thatcher said there will be no work the week of July 1-5. In addition, the contract with Elam Construction will require the bridge work to be completed during June. No official detour will be established on Lower River Road though CDOT acknowledged local commuters will likely seek an alternative route during construction. “We’re letting locals who are familiar with the area take the routes they prefer,” she said. In addition to the bridge work, components of the project include milling 2 inches of asphalt off the road and replacing it with a 2-inch hot-mix asphalt overlay, guardrail replacement and new striping. Additional work includes removing and installing curb, gutter and Americans with Disabilities-compliant ramps at the intersections of Highway 82 and Snowmass Creek Road, Watson Divide Road and Aspen Village Road. The hot-mix asphalt will add approximately 10 years of life to the highway, provide a smoother road surface and will add durability by increasing the resistance of ruts and road damage, according to CDOT. This will allow for a smoother and safer drive for motorists. The new guardrail that will be 31 inches high, designed to meet new safety standard requirements. The higher railing will help veering vehicles remain on the road more effectively, making the highway safer for the traveling public. The former standard height of guardrail was 27 inches. CDOT established a project website at www.codot.gov/projects/co82snowmassresurfacing . The project team can be emailed at or called at 970-986-6288.
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