County shifts bridge and road priorities

The county replaced its legacy rating with a Bridge Health Index and created a criticality score; a county presentation showed 141 fair bridges that could be at a critical point for intervention. CDOT's May update identified $3.8 million for design and $11 million in current-year funding for the Mulberry interchange; its 10-year plan identifies $20 million in out-year funding, with grants still needed for an additional $75 million in construction. CDOT was advancing a 30% interchange design and separately designing an at-grade pedestrian crossing with lighting, channelizing devices and fencing. The first US 287 North construction package is underway, with intersection improvements at Red Mountain Road and Bonner Springs Ranch Road; a second package would begin construction in spring of '27. Fall grading would focus on poor-condition roads; limited water could delay or prevent grading on some fair roads. Four wildfire agreements would complete countywide coverage; in Estes Valley, the county would handle wildfire plan reviews and building inspections, while the district would inspect defensible space.