CDOT completes culvert repairs in Mesa, Montrose Counties

News Release

Aug. 12, 2026 - Northwestern Colorado - Seven locations along US 50 and I-70 receive updates

Inserting the new lining into an existing culvert — **Mesa and Montrose Counties** — The Colorado Department of Transportation and its prime contractor, American West Construction, have completed a project to repair seven culverts on US Highway 50 east of Montrose and on Interstate 70 near the Colorado-Utah state line.

In Mesa and Montrose counties, crews rehabilitated the culverts using an advanced trenchless liner system. The liner is pulled into the existing culvert and inflated using specialized equipment, allowing it to conform tightly to the interior of the pipe and create a durable, seamless lining which also improves water flow through the culvert.

“This trenchless rehabilitation method significantly reduces construction time, minimizes excavation and traffic impacts, and extends the service life of the culvert by an estimated 50 years,” said Jason Smith, CDOT Regional Transportation Director. “As our CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew said at the start of this project, this is the direct result of CDOT and the Transportation Commission working together to identify funding specifically for these vital repairs to culverts across the state.”

Rather than replacing an entire culvert, the new liner technology restores the structural integrity of the existing pipe. Because the process requires little to no excavation, it also minimizes disturbance to surrounding habitat, takes less time and reduces impacts to the traveling public.

Seven culverts across Mesa and Montrose Counties received refurbishments in the form of a new, specialized lining.

Know Before You Go

A closeup view of a culvert with the new, specialized lining installed — **Mesa and Montrose Counties** — The Colorado Department of Transportation and its prime contractor, American West Construction, have completed a project to repair seven culverts on US Highway 50 east of Montrose and on Interstate 70 near the Colorado-Utah state line.

In Mesa and Montrose counties, crews rehabilitated the culverts using an advanced trenchless liner system. The liner is pulled into the existing culvert and inflated using specialized equipment, allowing it to conform tightly to the interior of the pipe and create a durable, seamless lining which also improves water flow through the culvert.

“This trenchless rehabilitation method significantly reduces construction time, minimizes excavation and traffic impacts, and extends the service life of the culvert by an estimated 50 years,” said Jason Smith, CDOT Regional Transportation Director. “As our CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew said at the start of this project, this is the direct result of CDOT and the Transportation Commission working together to identify funding specifically for these vital repairs to culverts across the state.”

Rather than replacing an entire culvert, the new liner technology restores the structural integrity of the existing pipe. Because the process requires little to no excavation, it also minimizes disturbance to surrounding habitat, takes less time and reduces impacts to the traveling public.

Seven culverts across Mesa and Montrose Counties received refurbishments in the form of a new, specialized lining.

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:

Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
Check scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

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!