What: Tipple Parkway/WCR 16 Bridge Closure Update
Who: Town of Frederick
Where: Tipple Parkway immediately west of West I-25 Frontage Road.
When: Beginning March 2, 2011
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On March 2nd Town of Frederick Public Works Staff Conducting maintenance activities on Tipple Parkway/WCR16 discovered damage to the deck of the bridge located just west of the I-25 West Frontage Road. After the discovery of the initial damage to the bridge deck Town of Frederick Engineering Staff contacted LONCO, Inc of Denver, Colorado to investigate the extent of the damage to the bridge structure. LONCO conducts inspections of structures for the Colorado Department of Transportation and Weld County, including structures in Frederick. On March 3rd representatives of LONCO met staff in the field to inspect the bridge. Upon further inspection under the bridge it was discovered that the columns supporting the bridge were severely corroded. As a result of these findings LONCO recommends per CDOT policy the bridge “MUST BE CLOSED”. Due to the nature of the corrosion the only option to repair the bridge is complete replacement of the structure. Staff immediately looked into replacement options. However, after confirming with the Boulder Weld Ditch Company that the ditch will go live April 1st it became apparent that there was no timeline to replace the structure prior to commencement of the irrigation season. Therefore, the bridge will remain closed until the end of the irrigation season in November of this year. Staff will continue coordinating design and approval activities throughout the irrigation season to expedite replacing the structure as soon as possible after the end of the irrigation season. In the mean time the emergency traffic control measures will be replaced with more substantial interim measures to insure the safety of the traveling public.
Until the bridge can be replaced alternate travel routes will be necessary in the area. All emergency services in the area have been made aware of the closure and have developed alternate routes to access the affected areas. The Town of Frederick would like to apologize in advance for any inconvenience caused by the closure of the bridge but would also remind all those affected that the closure is necessary for the safety of the traveling public. If there are any further questions feel free to contact the Town of Frederick Engineering Department.
