80th Avenue over US 36

During the week of May 17th, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and its contractor, Structures, Inc., will begin a project that will replace the 80th Avenue bridge over US 36.  The existing bridge was originally constructed in 1951 and is one of Colorado’s structurally deficient bridges.  When complete, the new bridge will be wider to accommodate an additional left turn lane from 80th Avenue to Oakwood Drive and a wider sidewalk.  The new structure will also be raised to 16 feet 6 inches to meet federal standards for vertical clearance.  In addition, 80th Avenue will be realigned to the east to improve sight distance, access and traffic flow.  The improvements will accommodate the future widening of US 36 as identified in the US 36 Environmental Impact Statement.  The $7 million project is being funding by CDOT and the City of Westminster.

80th Avenue Closure

To complete the construction of the new bridge, CDOT will close 80th Avenue over US 36 for the majority of the project.  Currently, 80th Avenue is scheduled to close the week of May 17th and will remain closed until approximately Thanksgiving of this year, weather permitting.  The full closure of 80th Avenue will help crews expedite construction and ultimately reduce the overall impacts to motorists.

80th Avenue Detour Route

During the closure, motorists seeking thru-travel on eastbound 80th Avenue may take Sheridan Boulevard south to 72nd Avenue, and then continue eastward on 72nd to Federal Boulevard, where they may access eastbound 80th Avenue from northbound Federal Boulevard.  For the convenience of travelers, a second route will be available utilizing 92nd Avenue on the north side of the project (connecting Sheridan Boulevard on the west to Federal Boulevard on the east).  Motorists seeking thru-travel on westbound 80th Avenue may also choose either detour route, using 72nd Avenue or 92nd Avenue to get from Federal Boulevard west to Sheridan Bouelvard.  Local residence and business access will be maintained at all times, but delays are possible during work activities.  Temporary pedestrian and bicycle detours will also be provided, and access to the Westminster Hills Park shall be maintained at all times.  Intermittent stops may be necessary to safely accommodate construction equipment entering and leaving the work zone.