DENVER -- The Colorado Department of Transportation picked Jalisco International Construction to make the emergency repairs on the 104th Avenue bridge. CDOT closed the bridge on Nov. 16 after a recent inspection showed the concrete on one pier cap had deteriorated.

CDOT bridge engineer Mark Leonard said, "For the safety of the traveling public, we are closing the bridge to all traffic until we can make the appropriate repairs, which will include removing the deteriorated concrete and pouring new concrete to stabilize the bridge span."

Still, it's only a temporary fix that would take the bridge into the next year.

CDOT said funding is increasing thanks to higher vehicle registration fees but the bridge alone would cost roughly $55 million to replace. The cost of the bridge repair was bid at $214,000.

CDOT estimates the repair could take about two weeks to complete once work starts. Jalisco said they plan on starting repairs between Dec. 11 and Dec. 14.

Until the repairs are made, 104th Avenue will be closed between Colorado Boulevard and US 85.

Local traffic will be allowed beyond the closure point up to the bridge, but will not be allowed to cross the bridge over the South Platte River, CDOT said. Motorists will be detoured along Colorado Boulevard or US 85 and Interstate 76 to 88th Avenue.