SH 82 Independence Pass Chip Seal Today, Tomorrow; SH 82 frontage on Wednesday, next Monday

Pitkin County – Colorado Department of Transportation maintenance crews will chip seal a section of SH 82 on the west side of Independence Pass today and tomorrow. A chip seal is done as a preventative maintenance measure to extend the life of pavement that is in fairly good condition. The operation fills minor cracks and prevents oxidation of the asphalt, enabling it to maintain its flexibility.

The 3-mile project, located between MP 42 (east of Aspen) and MP 45 (half mile past snow gate), will be underway today and tomorrow, weather permitting. On Wednesday, July 20, and next Monday, July 25, crews will chip seal a section known as the Catherine’s Store frontage road or SH 82 F, between MP 18 and 20 (Basalt area).

TRAVEL IMPACTS: From 7 A.M. to 5:30 PM on the dates noted above, motorists can expect single-lane, alternating traffic, reduced speed limits and travel delays of approximately 15 minutes, depending upon traffic volumes. While crews will sweep the roadway each night, the presence of loose rock in the construction zone is unavoidable in chip seal operations, and is considered a road hazard under Colorado law. Please travel slowly and maintain a safe following distance through the work zone.

CDOT crews greatly appreciate motorists’ patience during this brief maintenance project. Thank you for going “Slow for the Cone Zone!” To get information about other CDOT projects, the public may call 511, log onto CDOT’s traveler information site at www.cotrip.org or sign up to receive e-mails or text messages via CDOT’s web site at www.coloradodot.info.