CDOT Reconstructing US 50/US 285 to Connect with Downtown Poncha Springs

CHAFFEE COUNTY – The Colorado Department of Transportation has begun a project to connect the US 50/ US 285 junction in Poncha Springs with Poncha Avenue, creating a four-way signalized intersection. As part of this intersection improvement project, the roadway will be widened for the new lane configuration at the intersection, and the sweeping connections between US 50 and US 285 will be eliminated.

Striping on US 50 through Poncha Springs will allow for one through lane in each direction, with left-turn lanes in the center of the roadway, as well as bicycle lanes along the sides. A traffic signal will be installed with pedestrian crosswalks and ADA-compliant ramps on all four segments of the intersection. There will be

improvements to local streets, including Sabeta Avenue and Ouray Avenue.

“We’ve worked in partnership with the Town of Poncha Springs on plans to reconstruct this vital junction and offer this new entrance into downtown,” CDOT Region 5 Transportation Director Kerrie Neet said. “This area will better accommodate pedestrians and cyclists and improve safety for all users.”

Mountain Valley Contracting of Grand Junction was awarded the $2.5 million contract for this project.

Project Schedule: Construction is slated for completion by September 2014. Normal working hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Work hours will be dependent upon weather and work load.

Traffic Impacts: Construction will occur in two phases and will include shoulder-widening and construction of a detour, followed by moving traffic onto the detour to complete the rest of the project. Utility work will be underway throughout the project. Motorists can expect some single-lane closures with minor delays.

For More Information: Those with questions about the project may call the project information line or email [email protected].