The Estes Park Trail-Gazette reports that bad weather has pushed back the U.S. 34 closure a couple of days. The first full closure of US 34 just east of Estes Park will now take place Wednesday, Feb. 3 through Sunday, Feb. 14, weather permitting.

The closure is necessary to allow the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to replace the first of two bridges on US 34 in the Big Thompson Canyon. Both structures are steel truss bridges that were constructed in 1937 and are in poor condition.

“Due to the snow we received last night, the contractor is unable to complete the preparatory work by Monday as it requires single-lane alternating traffic and the icy conditions create an unsafe situation for motorists and the flaggers,” said CDOT Resident Engineer Scott Ellis. “As a result, the closure will be postponed two days so that the contractor can complete the preparatory work at the bridge under safe conditions.”

Go to the Estes Park Trail-Gazette to see the entire article.