T h e C ry s ta l Va l l e y E c h o Vol. 23 Issue No. 4
Fiercely Independent and Local Since 2003
June 2026
Now Featuring Amped Magazine! Vol. 8 Inside! Amped is an entirely Youth-produced Local Music journalism Publication
Redstone South Bridge Project Ahead of Schedule; Girders Placed By the Crystal Valley Echo Staff
The complete replacement of the Redstone South Bridge, originally built in 1947 and, until its demoliton, the oldest bridge in Pitkin County is nearly a full month ahead of schedule. Meyers and Sons, the company contracted to perform the bridge replacement is expected to receive the full early-completion bonus awarded for finishing the project at least 25 days ahead of schedule. Originally slated for a September 4th opening, the project now could be complete as early as mid-august. On Wednesday, May 20th, all 8 of the massive concrete girders that form the base of the bridge were installed with a 125-foot crane dotting the skyline towards the West of the Crystal River. This stage of construction marks the final step of crews needing to work directly in the river, and now the bridge will move into the next stages of construction. The project will see the bridge upgraded with a wider pedestrian walkway, and a new trail to access the river beneath it. Residents watched from several vantage points as crews installed the girders into the bridge location, and have expressed a collective excitement for the reopening of the bridge sooner than expected. A historically low runoff allowed for less water in the river to slow down the process. Residents and visitors to Redstone are still required to use the North Bridge and Firehouse Road detours to access Redstone Boulevard. All businesses on The Boulevard remain open and visitors are reminded that they may park in the parking lot across the river and use the pedestrian bridge to access the business core of town. Also of note: speeds remain reduced to 40 mph through the work zone on Highway 133 in both directions, extended from South of the bridge to North of the North Bridge. The speed limit on Redstone Boulevard is posted at 15 mph with several radar-equipped signs to remind drivers of their speed. Pitkin County Deputies have also increased patrols in and around Redstone to ensure safe speeds are observed in the work zone and on the Boulevard.
Right: A 125-foot tall crane places girders into the new South Bridge frame across the Crystal River on May 20th. Photo Credit: David Johnson
The Crystal Valley Echo Extends its Deepest Congratulations to the Classes of 2026! May your paths be ever-inspired, your journeys fruitful, and your memories treasured!
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