CDOT Begins Culvert Replacement on US 491 North of Cortez

September 17, 2013 - Southwestern Colorado/CDOT Region 5 - MONTEZUMA COUNTY – The Colorado Department of Transportation began a project on Monday, September 16, to replace a corroded steel culvert under US 491 just north of Cortez (and north of Lebanon Road, or CR 25).

The work will involve replacement of the steel culvert with a concrete pipe, necessitating a cut in the highway and a traffic switch.

The work, contracted to D & L Construction of Cortez for $298,423, will improve drainage, highway stability and highway condition by replacing this 1974 culvert pipe.

TRAVEL IMPACTS: Through the project’s completion in mid-October, motorists will encounter a traffic shift 24/7 while the open trench is present. There will be a single lane in each direction open at all times, however. Work hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The speed limit is reduced from 65 mph to 40 mph; thank you for going Slow for the Cone Zone!

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS: The public may call (970) 565-2087 or write to [email protected].

For information on other CDOT projects, call 511 or log onto www.cotrip.org (or sign up for FREE highway updates by going to www.colorododot.info and choosing the green phone icon.)