CDOT Resumes Road Work on US 550 north of Durango

June 29, 2018 - Southwestern Colorado/CDOT Region 5 - Project was postponed due to 416 Fire


SOUTHWEST COLORADO, LA PLATA COUNTY ― The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Elam Construction will pick up work on a project that was postponed due to the 416 Fire. Work will resume on Monday, July 9 on US Highway (US) 550 north of Durango from La Plata County Road 250 (north junction) to Electra Lake Road, mile points (MP) 37.3 – 44.5. This section of highway will receive a chip seal surface treatment and new lane striping and configuration to include a new southbound passing lane and a new southbound left turn lane into the Rockwood Subdivision.

TRAVEL IMPACTS: Daytime work hours range from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. Vehicles may be reduced to single lane, alternating traffic intermittently in either direction, while crews are working in the various locations.  These closures may have 10 to 30 minute delays possible through the work zone. The speed limit will be reduced to 40 mph with a pilot car guiding traffic through the work zone. Traffic fines in the construction zone will be doubled. The project is expected to last until the end of July.

To ensure the safety of motorists and work crews, travelers are urged to:

  • Slow down – Higher speeds can cause loose stones to scatter and damage vehicle paint and windshields.

  • Increase distance between vehicles – Space between you and other vehicles will help reduce damage caused by loose stones.

  • Follow work zone signage – Consider the safety of other motorists and the safety of the work crew when traveling through the project construction zone.

  • Use caution – Bicyclists and motorcyclists should use extreme caution during construction operations.

PROJECT SITES COMPLETED: This project also included two other areas of work which have been completed.

  • US 550 (MP 81.0 – 117.4), approximately from Red Mountain Pass to Colona (or the Ouray-Montrose County line). This stretch of US 550 received new center line rumble strips and new lane striping.  Rumble strips are a safety feature for drivers, Grooves are cut into the pavement which cause a vibration and rumbling sound to alert drivers their vehicle has crossed the center line.

  • Colorado Highway (CO) 62 (MP 9.0 – 16.0), about seven miles west of Ridgway along the Dallas Divide. This stretch of CO 62 received new center line rumble strip and new lane striping.  Rumble strips are a safety feature for drivers. Grooves are cut into the pavement which cause a vibration and rumbling sound to alert drivers their vehicle has crossed the center line. 

STAY INFORMED: More information about this project is available at:

Information about other projects and road conditions can be found at: