Denver drivers should be wary of increased traffic as the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) begins construction work on the third Speer Boulevard bridge — one of the main arterials in, and out, of downtown.

A contractor for DOTI will begin preventative maintenance on one of the Speer Boulevard bridges —  over the nearby railroad tracks past Little Raven Street — this week. The team will work to provide “a smooth and safe ride and also supports the traveling public for years to come,” according to a press release from DOTI.

The bridge construction marks the third Speer Boulevard bridge to receive routine maintenance since the beginning of 2023. 

Starting this week, drivers should expect a double right lane closures on northbound Speer Boulevard between I-25 and Auraria Parkway. Then, after the NHL and NBA seasons have concluded, there will be double lane closures on the southbound side.

The work will shift over to the right side during the summer, closing double lanes on both northbound and southbound Speer until the fall, the department said.

The work is projected to be concluded by the fall. 

Work on the bridge will include roto milling and overlaying fresh asphalt over the bridge, removal and replacement of bridge deck waterproofing membrane, bridge deck repairs, removal and replacement of bridge expansion joints, backwall repairs and final striping, according to the release.