Colorado governor thanks CDOT workers who jumped into action after Aspen Acres Fire destroyed bridge: "Very grateful"

Gov. Jared Polis visited southern Colorado on Tuesday to personally thank Colorado Department of Transportation crews who rebuilt a critical bridge destroyed during the massive Aspen Acres Fire.

Standing at the Highway 165 crossing south of Beulah, Polis handed out thank-you letters to members of the team responsible for constructing a temporary bridge that restored access to the area just hours after the original structure was lost in the wildfire.

"Our Colorado Department of Transportation is a first responder in that sense," Polis said. "They had to be here to make sure there were roads so the firefighters could get where they needed to go, so evacuees could get out."

The bridge was destroyed June 30 as the Aspen Acres Fire tore through the area amid powerful wind gusts that helped fuel the fast-moving blaze. The crossing served as an important route for emergency responders and residents forced to evacuate. According to CDOT, crews mobilized quickly after the bridge was damaged, using recycled materials to construct a temporary replacement. Work began in the afternoon, and just 11 hours later, traffic was able to cross the bridge by about 1 a.m. the following morning.

"It's amazing," Polis said while touring the site. "It looks great, right? And it works ... there's cars driving over it."

The temporary bridge remains a key access point for emergency personnel and residents returning to the area. CDOT plans to eventually replace it with a permanent structure.

The governor said the project highlights the dedication of transportation workers who often play a critical role during disasters.

"You do hard work every day, and the people of Colorado are very grateful," Polis told the crew. "But in an emergency like this we all step up, and we just appreciate you all doing your part."

As of Tuesday, the Aspen Acres Fire had burned nearly 100,000 acres and was 38% contained. The wildfire has destroyed hundreds of homes and remains the largest of many fires currently burning in Colorado.