I-70 East Viaduct in Denver Showing Signs of Age Deterioration
The Colorado Dept. of Transportation says that key early repairs made to the I-70 East viaduct between Brighton and Colorado boulevards in Denver are beginning to deteriorate. Several post tension rods, installed to reduce cracking along the viaduct, have corroded and separated from the bridge.
Initial signs of cracking and deterioration were first detected in 1981, triggering regular inspections and repairs to the structure. In 1997, CDOT installed tension rods to stop additional cracking. In 2005, loads on the bridge were reduced to prolong its life. A final series of major repairs, totaling over $30 million, were made in 2011.