Last Ports-to-Plains Reconstruction Underway Next Week
Work includes the following:
1. U.S. 40/287 – west of Kit Carson (mile 443.20-444.66). Placement of new concrete over existing asphalt surface, shoulder widening and pipe extensions.
TRAFFIC IMPACTS: Flaggers will alternate eastbound and westbound traffic through the work zone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with delays up to 20 minutes. Speed limit reduced to 35 mph and vehicles wider than 12 feet are restricted from traveling through the project area.
2. U.S. 40/287 – through Kit Carson (mile 444.66-445.56). Installation of a new water and sewer line.
TRAFFIC IMPACTS: Both westbound lanes closed through town, reducing traffic to a single lane in each direction on the eastbound segment, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Traffic slowing and possible delays should be anticipated. A 35 mph speed limit will be in effect and vehicles wider than 12 feet are restricted from traveling through the project area.
Work is scheduled to continue through the end of November on segments 1 and 2. After a winter shutdown, construction begins on segments 3 and 4 in spring 2012.
3. U.S. 40/287 – through Kit Carson (mile 444.66-445.43). Existing asphalt removed and new concrete road constructed. Includes new street lights, sidewalks, curbs and gutters and improved storm water system.
TRAFFIC IMPACTS: Eastbound and westbound traffic will alternate through town, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with traffic stops up to 20 minutes. Speed limit reduced to 35 mph and vehicles wider than 12 feet are restricted from traveling through the project area.
4. State Highway 59 – at U.S. 40/287 junction in Kit Carson (mile 0-0.05). Existing asphalt removed and new concrete road constructed. Includes reconfigured intersection with additional northbound acceleration lane and wider turning radius, providing easier turn movements for large trucks.
TRAFFIC IMPACTS: Lane reductions and detours in place through the intersection.
The $5.8 million project, contracted to Lawson Construction Company of Longmont, CO., is scheduled for completion in autumn 2012.
U.S. 287 between the Oklahoma border (including U.S. 40 between Limon and Kit Carson) and Denver is Colorado’s portion of the Ports to Plains route. As one of Colorado’s 28 Strategic Transportation Projects funded by voter-approved TRANS (Transportation Anticipation Notes) bonds, the reconstruction of the highway is of primary importance due to its current and future use as a major truck route, its connection to Mexico and potential to attract and serve markets associated with NAFTA and international trade.
CDOT has reconstructed 14 segments of U.S. 40/287 through southeastern Colorado since 1996. The 15th project – a four-mile reconstruction just east of Hugo – is scheduled for completion in December 2011.
“The Ports to Plains route is considered crucial for national, state and local economic development so reconstructing the highway with wider shoulders throughout to accommodate commercial truck traffic is vital for improving safety, as well as current and future travel requirements,” said CDOT Regional Transportation Director Tony DeVito. “Once this project is complete, we’ll be finished with reconstructing the corridor along its current alignment. We’re looking forward to reaching that milestone.”
Traffic information about this or other CDOT projects is on the cotrip.org website, by calling 511 or via subscription e-mail. To subscribe, please visit www.coloradodot.info and click on the cell-phone icon in the upper right-hand corner. The link takes you to a list of items you can subscribe to, including US 40/287 through Kit Carson.
