CDOT to pave short sections of several highways in southwest Colorado

Travel Advisory

May 5, 2023 - Southwestern Colorado - Operations to take place over the next three weeks

Southwest Colorado — The Colorado Department of Transportation is paving short sections of several highways over the next three weeks. Operations will begin next Monday on US Highway 84 south of Pagosa Springs.

The paving dates and locations include:

  • May 8 to 9: US Highway 84, south of Pagosa Springs and just north of the New Mexico state line, near Conifer Hill (Mile Point 7.2-7.8)
  • May 9 to 12: North Pinon Dr. (US Highway 160D), on the west end of Cortez, connecting US 160 to US 491
  • May 11 to 12: US Highway 550, on the mesa south of Durango and just north of the NM state line and Bondad Hill (MP 6-7)
  • May 15 to 16: CO Highway 151, five miles south of the US 160 Junction near Chimney Rock National Monument where the recent culvert flooding occurred (MP 27-28)
  • May 15 to 19: CO Highway 141, at various locations spanning approximately 12 miles north of the US 491 junction (MP 0.5-12)
  • May 22 to 26: CO Highway 145, between Mountain Village and Ophir (MP 66-70)

Traffic Impacts

  • Motorists can expect full stops and delays and should allow for extra travel time
  • Vehicles will be guided by flagging personnel, a pilot car or a portable temporary light signal
  • Access in and out of intersections may be restricted at times
  • A speed reduction of 40 mph will be enforced through the work zones

Following a record winter season, maintenance crews are continuing to fill potholes and perform road repairs. Please note that all work is weather permitting. Additional paving and pothole filling operations may occur across the region as time permits for maintenance crews.

A portable VMS board alerts motorists to slow down ahead of highway maintenance operations. CDOT urges motorists to watch for workers and follow work zone speeds.
A portable VMS board alerts motorists to slow down ahead of highway maintenance operations. CDOT urges motorists to watch for workers and follow work zone speeds.

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be patient!

Download the COtrip App!

The new FREE COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!