Main bridge into Aspen to be inspected Thursday after falling debris report
Alternating lane closures, delays expected at Castle Creek Bridge
Colorado Department of Transportation/Courtesy photo
Castle Creek Bridge, the main entrance to Aspen, will be undergoing a precautionary inspection in response to a report of minor debris falling from the structure earlier this week.
The inspection, which will be conducted by the Colorado Department of Transportation, begins at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 12, according to a news release. No set inspection completion time was given.
To facilitate the inspection, CDOT will implement alternating lane closures on the bridge throughout the day. Flaggers will be stationed at both ends of the bridge to assist with traffic flow.
Motorists should expect delays while the inspection is underway.
“This is not a proper big bridge inspection,” said Chuck Marsh, CDOT regional communications manager. “This is just a basic inspection because one of the local folks in Aspen had what looked like a piece of rust or something that came off the bridge, so officials are going to take a look at that.”
The bridge was originally built in 1961. In 2004, CDOT’s most recent inspection of the bridge, rated the it in “fair” condition. CDOT emphasized that this week’s inspection will not affect that rating and is part of a proactive effort to maintain safety for all bridge users and nearby residents.
This week’s inspection was prompted after a nearby homeowner recently reported what appeared to be a small piece of rust or corrosion dropping from the bridge.
While the incident did not raise any red flags regarding the bridge’s integrity, officials are taking steps to ensure no further material becomes dislodged.
“This follow-up inspection is being done out of an abundance of caution to determine whether any surface material requires mitigation to prevent future debris from falling onto vehicles, pedestrians, or nearby homes along Powerplant Road,” Marsh said. “We just do not want anybody to get hurt, so they will look to see if anything else along the bridge needs to be scraped or cleared away.”
Marsh noted that the most noticeable impact to the public will be the lane closures, and encouraged drivers to plan accordingly.
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