CO 172 culvert improvement project underway south of Ignacio

Travel Advisory

Oct. 1, 2026 - Southwestern Colorado - Five-day 24/7 closure scheduled October 20 to 24

La Plata County - The Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor Native Sun Construction have begun a culvert improvement project on Colorado Highway 172 between Ignacio and the New Mexico state line. The project will include culvert repairs at Mile Point 4.32 and a culvert replacement at MP 3.4.

The culvert replacement at MP 3.4 will require a five-day, 24-hour per day closure in October while crews install a new box culvert. The closure is currently scheduled for Oct. 20 to 24, weather permitting. Motorists must seek alternate routes during the full closure.

Travel Impacts

Normal working hours will be Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Traffic impacts include:

CO 172 Mile Point 3.4:
- Culvert replacement will take place early-October through late-November
- Alternating traffic with up to 15-minute delays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday can be expected when the closure is not underway
- A five-day, 24-hour per day closure is scheduled for Oct. 20 to 24
- Motorists will need to use alternate routes during the full closure
- A 10-foot width restriction will be in place
CO 172 MP 4.32:
- Culvert repairs will take place Oct. 12 through November
- Minimal delays are anticipated
- Motorists can expect shoulder closures and reduced speeds

Motorists are encouraged to check the most current traffic impacts on COtrip.org or on the COtrip Planner app.

Map of a CO 172 culvert replacement located at MP 3.4 and culvert repairs located at MP 4.32 between Ignacio and the New Mexico state line. A five-day, 24-hour per day closure at MP 3.4 is scheduled for October 20 to 24.

Project Information

For additional information about this project:

Call the project information line at 970-510-6625
Email the project team at: [email protected]
Visit the project website at: codot.gov/projects/swcoculverts

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!