Crews continued clearing the bridge deck of asphalt in the damaged lane, and began detailed measurements of the steel deck to place the order. The deck will be increased in thickness to sustain the heavier traffic using it now to 7-gauge industrial steel. The steel is manufactured in the United States, and will provide a long lasting fix to the approximately 75-year old bridge.

Crews also are currently removing concrete from the bottom of the north wall of the bridge to make it flush with the deck. A small section of decking has been removed to assess the center beam. More barriers were added to the center line to wall off the construction zone.

The county is striving to keep the pedestrian bridge open to the public. Cutting of metal and welding is planned in coming days along the pedestrian walkway side of the bridge to shore it up while the deck construction is addressed. Pedestrians should be cautious when crossing the bridge.

The bridge is open in one lane with traffic light switching currently, but will close for the main construction in a couple of weeks when the deck is removed and the new deck is installed.

Updates will be broadcast before 7 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays on KMTS 99.1. Subscribe to email notifications at Garfield County news in the upper right side menu, or visit the main Garfield County website.