CDOT Upgrading Traveler Information Signs Along Some Highways

July 6, 2012 - TRAFFIC ADVISORY - Northwestern Colorado/CDOT Region 3 - Please see next week's impacts highlighted below.

GARFIELD, GRAND, HUERFANO, MESA, MOFFAT, PITKIN, SUMMIT, AND SAN MIGUEL COUNTIES — The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) continues to improve communications with travelers throughout the state by upgrading Intelligent Transportation Systems on several area highways. New variable message signs (VMS), which are the electronic message boards motorists see while driving, are being installed to utilize fiber optic cables that are now available for use in certain areas of the state.

Since 2006, CDOT has been upgrading its signs so they have the ability to utilize wireless and fiber optic networks, and has also been replacing signs that are not compatible with current technologies or have reached the end of their usable lives.  Fiber optic sign upgrades will provide faster communication messages with motorists from CDOT information stations, costs less to install and maintain than other forms of technology, and overall are more cost effective than other forms of communications.

Replacements of existing signs and fiber optic improvements will be made at the following locations over the next several months:

  • Grand and Moffat counties:
    • Eastbound US 40 near Craig at mile marker 92
    • Eastbound US 40 near Steamboat Springs at mile marker 137 – Lane closures expected Monday, July 9 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
    • Westbound US 40 near Muddy Pass at mile marker 156 – Lane closures expected Tuesday, July 10 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
    • Southbound SH 13 south of Craig at mile marker 87
  • Garfield, Mesa, Pitkin, and San Miguel counties:
    • Westbound I-70 near Palisade at mile marker 43
    • Eastbound I-70 near Cameo at mile marker 44
    • Westbound State Highway 82 near the Aspen Airport at mile marker 37
    • Southbound State Highway 145 near Telluride at mile marker 71
    • Eastbound US 50 near Whitewater at mile marker 40
  • Huerfano and Summit counties:
    • Westbound US 160 near Walsenburg at mile marker 304
    • Southbound State Highway 91 near Copper Mountain at mile marker 21 – Lane closures expected Thursday, July 11 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Glaser Electric Company, LLC, based in Englewood, is the contractor and responsible for the $2.3 million project. All improvements are expected to be complete in August 2012.

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