CDOT opens part of new U.S. 34 bridge over Big Thompson River

The Colorado Department of Transportation on Monday opened part of a new bridge on U.S. 34 near Drake over the Big Thompson River.

The improvement allows one lane of traffic to flow in each direction at that part of U.S. 34. Before, only one lane of traffic, which was alternated between directions, was allowed to move at a time.

The project is ahead of schedule, according to CDOT officials. The $2.6 million project on the bridge -- which was built in 1935 and is structurally deficient -- is scheduled to be complete in August.