CDOT to Upgrade Traveler Information & Safety Systems Along Several Northwest Area Highways

October 18, 2010 - Northwestern Colorado/CDOT Region 3 - NORTHWEST COLORADO – The Colorado Department of Transportation will improve communications with travelers by upgrading its Intelligent Transportation Systems on several area highways over the next month.

The work starts tomorrow with the installation of new electronic Variable Message Signs (VMS) near Rabbit Ears Pass, south of Steamboat Springs. The project, contracted to Sturgeon Electric Company of Henderson, CO, is scheduled for completion by November 19, 2010. The contract amount for the work is $556,425, paid for with federal Hazard Elimination System funding.

The work involves various sign improvements, including the installation of new radar (for variable speed signs), variable message signs, flashing beacons and deicing equipment on I-70 between mileposts 124-125 in Glenwood Canyon, US 40 between mileposts 140-147 on Rabbit Ears Pass, and SH 82 between mileposts 29-32 in Snowmass Canyon.

The project will make various improvements at three locations with the following traffic impacts:

  • Westbound I-40 north side of Rabbit Ears Pass (milepost 140.): Installing solar powered flashing beacons on existing signage at eight locations on the westbound side between MP 141 MP 146. This work will run from Tuesday, October, 19, through Friday, October 22, during daytime hours. Shoulder closures and some westbound single-lane closures may be necessary.
  • Westbound SH 82 at Snowmass Canyon (milepost 30.72): Removing and replacing signs at four westbound locations between MP 30.76 and MP 29.78. The four signs include the replacement of a static blank-out sign (Icy/Conditions/May/Exist) with a electronic variable speed limit sign; and replacing an existing speed limit sign and with a road weather information system tower that includes a CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) camera and road surface sensors. New guardrail will also be installed for safety. Specific dates of this installation and further details will be sent in the near future – only shoulder closures are anticipated.
  • Westbound I-70 at Glenwood Canyon (milepost 124.97): Removing and replacing two led panel assemblies with two full matrix electronic variable message boards on the existing sign bridge structure. A microwave vehicle radar speed detector will also be installed at this location. If a driver is traveling above the preset speed limit, this sign will detect that and show the driver their traveling speed. Full traffic stops (both westbound lanes) will be necessary when crews place the structures and signs on I-70 in early November. This will occur at night after 9 PM, with delays of 30 minutes or less. Further details will be sent when exact dates are known.

Throughout the project, motorists can expect reduced speeds around the construction sites. The public may contact Sturgeon Electric’s Public Information number, which is updated weekly, at (970) 633-0202. For information about other CDOT projects, the public may log onto CDOT’s Traveler Information web site at www.cotrip.org or call 511 from anywhere in the state.

Thank you for going “Slow for the Cone Zone!”