Starting in late August 2025, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will limit how much some commercial trucks can carry across the Red Cliff bridge on US Highway 24.
Why it matters: The bridge, built in 1940 and now a National Historic Landmark, has steel parts that are getting thinner due to age. To keep the bridge safe and make it last longer, CDOT will keep some of the heaviest trucks—those over 34 or 37 tons, depending on axles and classification—from using the bridge.
- Most truckers carrying normal loads can still cross. Only a handful of bigger, heavier trucks will need to find different routes.
- Heavier trucks will need to reroute to roads like US 24, CO 91, and I-70. CDOT will put up signs and contact freight offices to make sure everyone knows the new rules.
The 2020 bridge inspection showed steel was getting thinner, which started a closer look in 2022. That's what led to the new rules, according to Colorado Department of Transportation.
CDOT says the restrictions won't impact passenger vehicles or most truckers. This move is only to help preserve the historic bridge until another rehab project can be planned in the future.