Pitkin County Reopens Redstone South Bridge After Months-Long Closure

Aspen —Pitkin County officially reopened the Redstone South Bridge Tuesday, Aug. 11, ending a months-long closure that forced traffic through a single-lane detour. The new bridge stands in for the 1947 structure, the county’s oldest, and promises a 75-year design life.

Andrew Knapp, Pitkin County Engineer, called the original span Redstone’s “front door.” He noted the replacement meets state and federal requirements. It replaces a structure that had been in service for nearly eight decades.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony drew the Redstone Community Association, the Crystal Valley Echo, and members of the Crystal Valley Caucus. Myers and Sons Construction won the contract in early 2026. Work began in February. The bridge closed in March.

During the closure, traffic flowed one way in, one way out via the Redstone North Bridge. The detour was a temporary fix. The replacement structure is permanent.

Jeffrey Woodruff, chair of the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners, framed the project as more than concrete and steel. He called it an “important connection” for the community. He thanked residents for their patience.

The project also improved trail connectivity. Pitkin County Open Space and Trails helped fund the non-motorized connections. The goal is stronger access for residents and visitors.

Local children led the way across the new span on bikes. Families followed on foot. Crews removed barriers. Vehicle traffic resumed.

The old bridge was built in 1947. It was the oldest in the county inventory. The replacement adheres to American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials specifications. It prioritizes safety and reliability.

Knapp highlighted the coordination required. Construction teams, county partners, and local businesses worked together. The result is a modernized entrance to Redstone.

The closure was necessary. The old bridge needed full replacement. The new structure ensures the community won’t face this specific issue for a generation.

Woodruff emphasized the partnership. He acknowledged the disruption. He celebrated the completion.

The bridge sits at the southern entrance to Redstone. It is a critical piece of infrastructure. It connects the town to the broader highway system. It also links to the trail network.

Myers and Sons Construction executed the work. They started in February. They finished in time for the August celebration. The timeline was tight. The execution was precise.

The detour via the North Bridge was a known variable. Locals adapted to the one-way flow. They endured the bottleneck. They got their crossing back.

The replacement is not just a crossing. It is a statement of investment. It signals that the county is willing to spend on aging infrastructure. It signals that safety is a priority.

The 1947 bridge served its purpose. It is now gone. The replacement stands. It is wider. It is stronger. It is newer.

Knapp and Woodruff spoke. They praised the team. They thanked the public. The facts remain: the crossing is open. The old one is closed. The work is done.

The Crystal Valley Echo and the Redstone Community Association were present. They witnessed the transition. They will use the crossing.

The trail improvements are part of the package. Non-motorized users gain better access. Cyclists and pedestrians share the space. It is a step toward multi-modal connectivity.

The cost was not disclosed in the release. The timeline was clear. The impact is immediate. Traffic flows. The community celebrates. The crossing stands.