US 285 Resurfacing Monte Vista to Saguache

About the Project:

The Colorado Department of Transportation and United Companies will  chip seal US Highway 285 in  Saguache and Rio Grande Counties. The project will take place from north of the city of Monte Vista to south of the Town of Saguache (Mile Points 51.4 to 83). The work consists of a single, full width chip seal of the existing roadway from MPs 51.4  to 77.47, and microsurfacing of the existing roadway from MP 77.47, south of County Road R to MP 86.


Work Schedule

  • The project is now scheduled to begin on July 12.
  • Normal working hours will be Monday through Friday during daylight hours.

Traffic Impacts

  • Vehicles will encounter single-lane, alternating north and southbound traffic intermittently throughout the duration of the project.
  • Lane closures, guided by flaggers and pilot cars, may have up to 15-minute delays.
    The speed limit will be reduced to 40 mph through the work zone.  
  • Speeds will continue to be reduced throughout the night immediately following the day's placement of chip seal to reduce the potential of flyrock while the chips embed into the emulsion.
  • Micro-surfacing requires about an hour to cure before traffic is allowed to drive on the fresh surface. Businesses and residents at adjacent accesses will be notified prior to the work and travelers from these access points will not be able to access the roadway until the micro-surfacing has cured. Property owners are urged to plan ahead.

Project Facts

  • Cost: $3.2 Million
  • Contractor: United Companies
  • Timeline: June - September 2022
  • Location: US 285 between Monte Vista and Saguache

US 285 Resurfacing project map