Region-wide striping operations to begin May 13 in southwest and south-central Colorado

Travel Advisory

May 6, 2024 - Southwestern Colorado - Fresh paint will enhance safety of highway with more visible lines and markings

Southwest & South-Central Colorado - The Colorado Department of Transportation, in partnership with Road Safe Traffic., will begin restriping operations on several highways throughout southwestern and south-central Colorado in mid May. Striping operations will begin May 13 spanning across Alamosa, Chaffee, Dolores, Gunnison, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, Rio Grande, San Juan, and San Miguel counties.

“Each spring and summer, CDOT works to restore and refresh lane stripings and markings along our state and US highways. The paint fades and is weathered over time, especially due to wear and tear from winter maintenance operations,” explained CDOT Regional Transportation Director Julie Constan. “This annual striping project preserves the reflectivity of highway markings needed for drivers to see brighter, more visible lines in all weather conditions.”

CDOT will restripe the white and yellow lane markings, matching and refreshing existing pavement lines on both asphalt and concrete pavement types. The fresh highway paint is also a technological benefit to vehicles that are autonomous or utilize the lane departure warning system. These advanced technologies depend upon constantly maintained stripes to allow the vehicles to “see” the lines and allow the vehicle to stay in their lane.

Orange "Wet Traffic Paint" sign beside US Highway 160 in Archuleta County
Motorists are urged to use caution and slower speeds when traveling through striping work zones as there will be wet paint throughout.

Work will take place at the following locations:

  • US 550 (MP 57 to 117), Coal Bank Pass to Colona
  • US 491 (MP 31 to 69), Cortez to Utah state line
  • US 285 (MP 127 to 148), Poncha Springs to Johnson Village
  • US 160 (MP 200 to 233), Del Norte to Alamosa
  • US 50 (MP 165 to 223), Gunnison to Salida
  • US 24 (MP 193 to 227), Granite to Antero Junction
  • CO 291 (MP 0 to 9), Salida to US 285 Junction
  • CO 145 (MP 53 to 117), Lizard Head Pass to Naturita
  • CO 17 (MP 69 to 88), Alamosa to Hooper

Traffic Impacts

Beginning May 13, general working hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with the possibility of some night work. Traffic impacts will include:

  • Mobile traffic control will be used in work zones with slow moving directional traffic
  • Drivers may expect delays and are asked to exercise patience when encountering the mobile pavement marking zone
  • Use caution and slower speeds when traveling through the work zone as there will be wet paint throughout

Project Contact Information

For additional information about this project, contact the project team.

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!