Safety Improvements Underway on US 491 and Montezuma CR M North of Cortez

MONTEZUMA COUNTY – The Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor Four Corners Materials have begun work project to improve safety and access at the intersection of US 491 at CR M just north of Cortez. The project was contracted to Four Corners Materials of Cortez for approximately $3.2 million and is scheduled for completion by July 15, 2011.

The project work zone on US 491 extends on either side of CR M—from mile post 29.2 north through mile post 29.8 (north of the Cortez Sale Barn). The project will include highway widening on US 491 (adding acceleration and deceleration lanes in both directions for safer merging); widening at the approaches of CR M to add acceleration lanes; and the installation of fencing, guardrail, retaining wall and drainage improvements.

TRAFFIC IMPACTS - Work hours are Monday through Friday from 6:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. There will be no holiday work, and no weekend work is anticipated at this time. The speed limit will be reduced to 40 mph on US 491, and motorists may encounter travel delays of up to 10 minutes due to lane reductions and traffic slowing.

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS? Contact  Marty Punchak with Four Corners Materials at (970) 749-5982. For information about other CDOT projects, log on to www.cotrip.org or call 511 from anywhere in the state. CDOT and Four Corners Materials greatly appreciate your patience and cooperation while driving through the work zone. Thank you for going Slow for the Cone Zone!