53-year-old bridge to be replaced starting Nov. 16

Published on November 10, 2026

Later this month, work will begin to replace Bridge 31/36B, located east of Platteville and south of Gilcrest. The Weld County Board of Commissioners has approved a temporary closure of Weld County Road (WCR) 31 between WCR 36 and WCR 38 starting Monday, Nov. 16 through Friday, March 5, while work is completed. The project detour can be viewed on the Weld County Road Advisory Map.

Built in 1973, the bridge is corroding and experiencing minor cracking. While still safe, its overall condition makes its replacement necessary.

“These types of structures — a concrete, double-tee bridge — typically last 50 years. This one lasted 53,” said Curtis Hall, Weld County Public Works Director. “It’s our hope that this replacement results in an even stronger bridge that can continue moving people safely and efficiently for years.”

During construction of the new bridge, much attention will be given to strengthening the substructure — the portion of the bridge below the bridge deck that is essential for the bridge’s overall support and for anchoring it to the ground. The substructure will be built to handle increased traffic, with elements encased in concrete to make it more resistant to corrosion.

New guardrails will also be installed, along with a new asphalt driving surface. The bridge will also be widened slightly, from 30 to 32 feet.

“When it comes to caring for our transportation infrastructure, most people think about county roads, but we also maintain 427 bridges,” said Kevin Ross, Weld County Commissioner and Coordinator for Public Works. “We build bridges to last — this one has. We’re confident this new bridge will have a similar, if not improved, lifespan.”

The $400,000 bridge will be constructed by public works’ bridge crew. This project follows other successful bridge projects completed this year. A rebuild of Bridge 45.5/56.5A, located in east Greeley, was completed in April, and a repair of Bridge 25/40A, located between Milliken and Gilcrest, was completed a month later.