Red Lion Event Center
Boulder, Colorado

This project was one of our most challenging. The only bridge servicing this property washed out and had to be replaced very quickly. Several people who live on this site could not get in or out. The business' on this site were completely closed due to lack of access. The river was moving very quickly and was dangerously cold. All construction had to be completed from one side of the river as the other side was not accessible. This private bridge was also located about 30 yards from a major highway that gets a lot of traffic so the State of Colorado restricted our work hours from 11PM to 3AM. The approach from the bridge to this busy highway was very steep which eliminated the possibility of using a crane to set the bridge in place. This same busy highway was very narrow with sharp curves and hardly any room for our truck to navigate so pilot cars were required and we also used the local fire department to help direct traffic. The banks on each side of the river were very steep and unstable. Inspectors and representatives from local and state government agencies were everywhere to ensure compliance to various rules and restrictions. There were people camped out everywhere watching us with a few different news agencies as well. Everything about this project was difficult.

However, Paragon had several bridge decks to choose from that were already ready to be put into service and Paragon also had the man power to get the job done. Paragon was given less than 8 hours notice to mobilize all equipment. The equipment available wasn't ideal. The job site wasn't ideal. Nothing about this project was ideal. However, Paragon supplied and delivered the bridge on time and on budget.

These difficult projects are good as they allow us to appreciate the easier jobs.

Debris cleared from behind collapsed bridge