CDOT Begins Road Work at Three Locations in Southwest Colorado

May 23, 2018 - Southwestern Colorado/CDOT Region 5 - Crews to Chip Seal and Install Rumble Strips on US 550 & CO 62

 LA PLATA and OURAY COUNTIES ― The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Elam Construction will start work on May 30 at three separate locations in southwest Colorado.  Work will include a chip seal operation at one location on US Highway (US) 550, and installation of rumble strips at two locations on US 550 and Colorado Highway (CO) 62.  All work locations will include new final lane striping.

PROJECT SCHEDULE/LOCATIONS & WORK:

  • MAY 30 to early July: US 550 (MP 37.3 – 44.5), north of Durango, approximately from La Plata County Road 250 (north junction) to Electra Lake Road. 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.

  • Mid-June to early July: US 550 (MP 81.0 – 117.4), approximately from Red Mountain Pass to Colona (or the Ouray-Montrose County line). Please note, no work will be done within the town of Ouray limits. This stretch of US 550 will have a new center line rumble strip installed and new lane striping.  Rumble strips are a safety feature. Groves are cut into the pavement which cause a vibration and rumbling sound to alert drivers their vehicle has crossed the center line.

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

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.

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

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