Gov. Polis praises CDOT crew for rebuilding burned bridge overnight after ‘Aspen Acres’ fire

BEULAH, Colo. (KRDO) -- Governor Jared Polis visited Beulah on Tuesday, July 14, to recognize the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) crews who rebuilt a bridge destroyed by the "Aspen Acres" fire in less than 11 hours, restoring a critical route for emergency responders.

Officials say the bridge at the intersection of Colorado Highways 165 and 78 burned on June 30 as the wildfire swept through the area. With firefighters needing continued access, CDOT maintenance crews launched an overnight effort to construct a temporary replacement.

The temporary bridge, which cost an estimated $125,000 to $150,000, allowed firefighters, emergency personnel, and evacuees to continue using the route during the wildfire response, according to officials.

"In Colorado's time of need, there is no shortage of bravery, collaboration, and Coloradans willing to roll up our sleeves to get brave first responders what they need to protect our communities from fires," Governor Polis said. "This was a ground-up solution that displayed the creativity, commitment, and dedication of our state workers."

CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew also praised the maintenance team for quickly developing an innovative solution to reopen the roadway.

"Our colleagues worked through the night to create a temporary bridge structure on Highway 165 that keeps an important ingress and egress point open to first responders and evacuees," Lew said. "Come snow or fire, our team is ready to respond with ingenuity and urgency."

During his visit, Polis met with CDOT workers at the bridge site and thanked them for their efforts in helping keep emergency operations moving during one of southern Colorado's most destructive wildfires.

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