CDOT, Contractor Begin Improvements to US 40 in West Steamboat Springs, Upgrades at Elk River Road Intersection

May 2, 2017 - Northwestern Colorado/CDOT Region 3 - Travel impacts will not begin until week of May 8, weather permitting

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS - The Colorado Department of Transportation is beginning a project on US 40 on the west side of Steamboat Springs this week. The work, contracted to Flatiron Construction for $6.9 million, is a combination intersection, resurfacing, sidewalk and city waterline construction project, in partnership with the City of Steamboat Springs. The City provided $877,900 in funding towards construction, including the water line work.

“The US 40/Elk River Road intersection was identified as needing improvement during a Region 3 intersection analysis, and design was started in 2014,” CDOT Resident Engineer Clint Moyer said. “The intersection was combined with the planned US 40 resurfacing project in order to lessen the project’s duration and impacts.”

Major work items will include:

  • Asphalt resurfacing (the existing top layer of asphalt will be "milled" to address surface cracking and imperfections then overlaid with a new layer of asphalt) from east of Routt County Road 33A to Elk River Road (MP 126.0 to 130.6)

  • Shouldering and drainage improvements

  • Intersection and signal work at US 40 and Elk River Road

  • Approximately 1,800 feet of new sidewalk will be constructed between Shield Drive and Riverside Plaza on the south side

  • Curb ramp improvements to add wheelchair accessibility at all four corners of Elk River Road/US 40 and along the new section of sidewalk (at three intersections and one access)

“CDOT has been a great partner in the past, and being able to combine different improvement projects together in an effort to minimize impacts is a huge plus,” Jon Snyder, public works director for the City of Steamboat Springs said. “We’re excited to move ahead with these important bicycle and pedestrian enhancements, especially with the increased activity this area is experiencing. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding.”

TRAVEL IMPACTS - Crews will mobilize construction equipment and place signs during the week of May 1. Starting the week of May 8, motorists can expect daytime lane closures eastbound after 9 AM, and westbound before 4 PM; the speed will be reduced to 25 mph. Significant impacts to traffic are expected to begin mid-May at the Elk River Road intersection and peak after paving crews begin the resurfacing operations in June and July.

STAY CONNECTED - Those interested in staying up to date on the project and work schedule can do so by visiting the project webpage at https://www.codot.gov/projects/archived-project-sites/us-40-steamboat-west (click on the ALERTS icon in the upper right corner, follow the instructions to sign up for “US 40 Steamboat Springs” under the Projects list). The project public information line is 970-819-3558.