CDOT to Install Solar Lighting on US 160 – Towaoc Junction

June 8, 2016 - Southwestern Colorado/CDOT Region 5 - MONTEZUMA COUNTY – The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will install new lighting on US 160 at three highway access roads to Towaoc and the Ute Mountain Ute (UMU) Reservation, approximately ten miles south of Cortez.

The eight-day project will take place beginning next week, Monday, June 13 and is expected to be completed by Wednesday, June 22.

More than 200 solar LED lights will be installed and embedded into the highway’s pavement to enhance the night-time visibility for drivers accessing the three UMU highway junctions, auxiliary lanes, and merging lanes to the Towaoc and the UMU Casino. The installed lighting for this stretch of highway, which can see up to 7000 vehicles daily, will improve safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

TRAVEL IMPACTS: Motorists should expect single-lane alternating traffic with up to 15 minute delays during working daylight hours, Monday through Friday. The speed limit will be reduced to 40 MPH (from 45 MPH) during the project.  Motorists are advised to adhere to posted speed limits and use caution while traveling through the work zone.

ROAD INFORMATION: To sign up for CDOT updates on projects in your chosen area, visit CDOT’s website at www.codot.gov and choose the envelope icon at the bottom of the page. Or, to see CDOT’s lane closure reports for projects statewide, visit www.codot.gov/travel/scheduled-lane-closures.html. Updates are also available via Twitter @coloradodot and be sure to “Like” us on Facebook.