US 50 Resurfacing Underway

MONTROSE & DELTA COUNTIES – The Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor Intermountain Slurry  Seal are chip sealing two sections of US 50:  from MP 74 (south of Delta) to 81 (near Olathe), and from MP 94 to 103, a stretch east of Montrose. 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 work was awarded to Intermountain for $1.4 million.

Each section is being chip sealed, is allowed to sit for approximately five days, and then fog coated (a final protective sealant). New highway striping will follow, and the work will be complete at both sites by the end of June, weather permitting.

TRAVEL IMPACTS: Motorists can expect single-lane closures between 7 A.M. and 8:30 P.M., Monday through Friday. The speed limit has been reduced to 35 mph. Sections will be swept after the chip sealing to remove much of the loose material. However, there will be some loose rock in the construction zone prior to sweeping and final fog coating—drivers are urged to travel slowly and maintain a safe following distance through the work zone to avoid chipped windshields.

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.