Tuesday's Highway Impacts for the USA Pro Challenge

August 20, 2012 - Southwestern Colorado/CDOT Region 5 - GUNNISON AND MONTROSE COUNTIES — Stage Two of the USA Pro Challenge takes place tomorrow, Tuesday, August 21. The race will last from 11 a.m. until roughly 4 p.m., and will travel from Montrose through Gunnison before finishing in Crested Butte.

Highways impacted include US 50 and State Highway 135. During this stage, the route is closed to all hazardous material, oversize, and overweight vehicles. All commercial vehicles should expect extensive delays between Gunnison and Montrose, as any commercial vehicles arriving in Gunnison after 11 a.m. will be staged on the west end of town until approximately 2:30 p.m.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) traveler information website (http://cotrip.org/content/usapcc/index.html) lists all highways impacted by the race by stage, and also refers visitors to proper local websites for local road closures. The site also contains information for motorists regarding anticipated delays, oversize/overweight restrictions, suggested alternative routes, long-term parking information, and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs). The times for delays and closures are estimates and may be subject to change depending on the pace of the riders, weather, and other unforeseen circumstances. CDOT would like to remind motorists to obey road signs, Colorado State Patrol, and race officials.

During what may be the largest spectator event in Colorado history, the 2012 USA Pro Challenge will bring the world’s top cyclists and their fans to Colorado. The race lasts from Monday, August 20 through Sunday, August 26. Race officials are estimating that more than one million spectators may watch the race in person as the riders traverse nearly 700 miles of Colorado terrain. CDOT encourages fans to share their race stories, photos, and experiences at www.facebook.com/coloradodot.

For real-time information related to highway impacts, motorists are encouraged to sign up for CDOT’s email and text alerts, available at www.coloradodot.info by clicking on the green cell phone icon, and are encouraged to follow CDOT on Twitter (@coloradodot). Daily road closure information during the event will be available by calling 511 from anywhere in the state. Spectator information is available at the USA Pro Challenge official website (www.prochallenge.com).