New technology drives culvert repairs in southwest and south-central Colorado

Travel Advisory

July 9, 2025 - Southwest Colorado - Twenty culverts will receive state-of-the-art upgrades

Southwest and South-Central Colorado — A new technology for culvert repairs is coming to five counties in southwest and south-central Colorado, with twenty culverts receiving improvements by the Colorado Department of Transportation and contracting partner, American West Construction.

Beginning mid-July, crews will start work on US Highway 24, south of Buena Vista, implementing an advanced liner that has a 50-year design life. The liner allows for the trenchless rehabilitation of pipes while the pipe is still operational and in place. The liner is pulled into the existing culvert pipe using a special tool to inflate it, which eliminates any creases or damage and creates a smooth internal surface.

The new technology requires less time and creates fewer impacts to the traveling public by avoiding trenching and major excavation. The process starts with clearing the area around the culvert openings and then cleaning the culvert. Installing the liner is estimated to take a matter of hours. For most culverts, the entire operation for one repair takes only one day.

“Culverts are critical features of our state highway system that handle water drainage, creeks and streams flowing under roadways," said CDOT Regional Transportation Director Julie Constan. “Culvert improvements are absolutely necessary to lower the risks associated with water runoff and flooding, and to maintain safe driving conditions for motorists.”

Counties receiving the new culvert liners at sites on US and state highways include Conejos, Montezuma, Archuleta, Chaffee and La Plata. Colorado Highway 17 between the New Mexico border and Antonito will see the most repair activity, with eight culverts being upgraded. In 2023, a large sinkhole emerged on CO 17 that prompted the evaluation of existing pipes. Last year, improvements were made to the most critical culverts with a plan to repair the remaining culverts this summer with CDOT’s new technology.

Other highways include US 491 and CO 145 north of Cortez, with a total of six repairs. The Four Corners region, located on US 160 and US 491, is also part of the overall project. Two culverts will be repaired on US 160 between Mancos and Durango and between Durango and Pagosa Springs. One culvert will be addressed on CO 172 between Durango and Ignacio.

Schedule & Traffic Impacts

The project is expected to conclude in October with minimal impacts to motorists. Working hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some weekend work is anticipated. The schedule has crews starting at the eastern side of the region and progressing west for repairs.

Project Information

For additional information about this project:

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!

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