US 160/491 South Broadway Reconstruction
Cortez, CO - In early July, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Lawson Construction began work on the US 160/491 (South Broadway) concrete reconstruction project in Cortez, a 1.1-mile stretch of road improvements between McElmo and Maple streets. The project began with drainage and safety improvements at the intersection of 7th Street and South Broadway (US 160/491). Asphalt removal and concrete paving operations at the intersection are scheduled to begin Monday, Aug. 27. Resurfacing operations on South Broadway will begin in early September. Lawson Construction anticipates construction will be complete by December 2012. Presentation materials and a summary of the June open house are available on the project website at www.coloradodot.info/projects/us160-cortez.
TRAVEL IMPACTS:
Slow for the Cone Zone—and School Zone: With four K-12 schools within close proximity to the project and children returning to school on Monday, Aug. 27, CDOT reminds the traveling public to use caution while driving through the construction zone. Motorists are advised to pay attention to flaggers and changing conditions such as lane shifts, lane and road closures and traffic signs.
Alternate routes are highly recommended for those traveling to Mesa Elementary School, Cortez Middle School, Montezuma Cortez High School and Cortez Seventh-day Adventist School.
Current traffic impacts: Traffic will be shifted to the outside lanes of South Broadway on Monday morning and will remain in this configuration for approximately two weeks. During this phase of intersection work, only right-in right-out turns will be allowed at 7th Street. Those wanting to access Mesa Elementary and Montezuma-Cortez High Schools via a left turn from the north will need to choose an alternate route.
Business access: All business access will be maintained throughout the duration of the project, but may be altered at times. A local business access lane will be provided adjacent to construction activities. Signs listing all businesses located within each block will be posted. Anyone caught tampering with construction equipment or traffic control devices such as barrels, signage and message boards will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Wide Load Restrictions: All vehicles over 10 feet wide should call (970) 744-6630 to schedule an escort through the project.
For information on the US 160/491 South Broadway Reconstruction Project visit www.coloradodot.info/projects/us160-cortez. To subscribe to Southwest Colorado project updates via e-mail or wireless sign up at www.coloradodot.info and click on the green cell phone icon at the top right corner of the page. In addition, please visit CDOT’s Facebook page, log onto www.cotrip.org, or dial 511 for traveler’s information. Safety is our priority. Slow for the Cone Zone!
