Westbound US 50 Realignment Project to Begin in Pueblo on Monday
PUEBLO COUNTY, COLO – Motorist in Pueblo will see additional activity near the intersection of US 50 westbound and CO 45 (Pueblo Blvd) next week. The Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor Lawrence Construction Company are scheduled to begin the westbound US 50 Realignment Project on June 19. The $10.2 million project is focused on the westbound portion of US 50 between mile points 311.2, Baltimore Avenue and 312.9, Purcell Boulevard.
There are three active projects in the area designed to improve safety and increase mobility along the US 50 corridor between Pueblo and Pueblo West. Although this will increase the construction activity in the area, the majority of the project work for the westbound US 50 Realignment Project will be off the roadway. However, motorists are encouraged to drive with caution as there will be shoulder closures and work crews in the area.
Benefits of the westbound US 50 project include the widening of the highway to improve the overall vehicle capacity of the interchange. The existing westbound bridge over Wildhorse Dry Creek will be demolished and replaced to accommodate the highway realignments.
The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2018. Additional improvements include the removal and extensive reconstruction of existing westbound US 50 lanes at two separate bridges. The existing westbound lanes will be converted to an exit ramp for CO 45 and an entrance ramp for US 50. Drainage enhancements will also be implemented to the existing storm sewer system.
"This project is designed to improve traffic flows and increase safety for Pueblo’s growing population,” says CDOT Resident Engineer Dan Dahlke. "The construction of a new bridge is also an integral piece of upgrading our roadway infrastructure.”
ROADWAY PHASES: Crews will begin the construction of the new bridge for the project’s first phase, leaving the old bridge unaffected. The project team anticipates shifting traffic to the new bridge in early 2018, allowing crews to then demolish the old bridge. Additional paving and widening will begin in spring 2018, ultimately connecting the larger roadway with the new bridge. Final paving operations, along with the construction and installation of roadway shoulders, will start in fall 2018 and continue until the project’s completion date by the end of 2018.
TRAVEL IMPACTS: Regular scheduled working hours are Monday through Thursday, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Weekend work is not expected at this time, and width restrictions are not in effect.
Motorists can expect minor delays, as single-lane and shoulder closures will be in place for the safety of construction crews and the traveling public. Speed limits will be reduced to 45MPH in the active work zone.
Drivers are urged to Slow Down and Pay Attention
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Speed reductions to 45 mph in work zones
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Slow down, observe speed limits, avoid distractions, and allow extra time for your commute.
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Alternative route advised.
All Media Personnel: The westbound US 50 realignment project is an active construction area. Access on the project site is restricted unless accompanied by a Colorado Department of Transportation. Your safety is important to us so please coordinate access requests in advance with Michelle Peulen. A safe area for interviews, b-roll, etc., and a project team member will be designated for escort and will coordinate the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment. We appreciate your cooperation.
STAY INFORMED: If you have questions or comments, please contact the project team on the project information line at 719-717-9617 or write them at [email protected].
Information updated weekly regarding these restrictions and any safety critical traffic holds can be found in CDOT’s weekly lane closure reports: https://www.codot.gov/travel/s
