The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will soon impose new weight restrictions on the Red Cliff bridge, a historic structure on US Highway 24 near the town of Red Cliff in Eagle County. Starting in late August 2025, large commercial vehicles exceeding specific weight limits—over 34 or 37 tons depending on vehicle classification and axle count—will not be permitted to cross the bridge. CDOT is informing operators through its freight office, and signage will be placed on approaches to notify drivers.
The Red Cliff bridge, built in 1940, is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and is one of CDOT’s oldest bridges. The structure underwent significant rehabilitation in 2004, which included replacing the deck, repainting steel components, and widening the deck while maintaining its historical appearance.
Since 2020, CDOT engineers have conducted proactive surveys of the bridge to check for steel corrosion. All state bridges are regularly inspected for safety; the Red Cliff bridge is inspected every two years.
A routine inspection in 2020 found that some steel parts were thinning due to corrosion. This discovery led to more detailed analysis beginning in 2022. The age of the bridge and these findings prompted CDOT to implement new load restrictions for unusually heavy commercial vehicles.
“Originally constructed in 1940, the Red Cliff bridge is a registered National Historic Landmark and one of the oldest and most unique assets of the Colorado Department of Transportation.”
