CDOT begins pedestrian/bicycle improvement project in Walsenburg

April 16, 2019 - Southeastern Colorado - Crews will upgrade curb ramps and sidewalks for ADA compliance, and make infrastructure improvements

PUEBLO, CO – The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and contractor, Walsenburg Sand & Gravel, will begin an important right of way and culvert repair project in Walsenburg on April 22. Walsenburg is the official seat of Huerfano County. The project will concentrate on upgrading curb ramps and sidewalks for improved public accessibility.

“The improvements will make travel safe and accessible for drivers, pedestrians and bikers, it exemplifies a healthy and active living opportunity for all," explained Bill Thiebaut, Transportation Commissioner District X.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION & BENEFITS

This important repair project is designed to improve pedestrian and bicycle accessibility for residents, patrons of businesses, and travelers to the region. The project includes upgrading curb ramps to meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities) compliance, repairing sidewalks, installing permanent traffic control devices and making pedestrian crossing improvements, and modifying an existing culvert into a sidewalk at Walsen and Pine.

" CDOT is proud to provide safety improvements and multimodal choices in our smaller and rural communities. These improvements will allow more ways to enjoy visiting Walsenburg, and ultimately to help this community to thrive," said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew.  

The City of Walsenburg is at the southernmost point of the Highway of Legends, north of Trinidad. It is a popular destination for travelers and a busy trucking route. Work conducted during this project will improve both Walsen Avenue (I 25C) and parts of US 160, the gateway to the west. CDOT is pleased to bring much needed infrastructure improvements to the Spanish Peaks region of the state.

PROJECT LOCATION

The project is located at two sites in the City of Walsenburg. The first is on Business Interstate 25C (Walsen Avenue) between Spruce Street (MP 1.9) and Pine Street (MP 2.3). The second location is on U.S. Highway 160 (Seventh Avenue) between Olive Street (MP 304.72) and Ysidro Street (MP 304.85).

TRAVEL IMPACTS

CDOT anticipates some travel impact to vehicles and trucking operations, and high impact to pedestrian/bike accessibility in the work zones. These include:

  • North and southbound shoulder closures at Walsen and Pine will exist starting on Apr 16.

  • 11 ft. width restriction south and northbound at Walsen and Pine will be in effect from Apr 16 to June 1.

  • Sidewalk closures will be necessary during curb ramp, sidewalk and traffic signal installations.

  • Lane and shoulder closures at certain site locations on US 160 will require traffic shifts and rerouting of pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

    • Signs and flagger operations will redirect pedestrians and cyclists during construction activities.

  • Lane closures and other traffic notices will be posted a week in advance on COTrip.org.

  • The public may call the project hotline at 719.766.1185 at any time for information on the project, or for any travel impacts or access issues.

PROJECT SCHEDULE

The project will kick off on April 22, 2019 and is expected to last until Sept. 20, 2019.

  • Working hours are Mon. to Fri. 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

  • No weekend work is expected.

PROJECT INFORMATION

Get direct email announcements and updates by signing up at [email protected]. For additional information about this project, call the local project information line at 719.766.1185, or visit the project website at https://www.codot.gov/projects/Walsenburg-pedestrian-bicycle-improvements. For information on any lane closures, please visit COTrip.org, or call 511. Updates are also available via Twitter @coloradodot and CDOT’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/coloradodot.

REMEMBER TO SLOW FOR THE CONE ZONE

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

·        Do not speed in work zones; obey the posted speed limits.

·        Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.

·        Watch for workers; drive with caution.

·        Don't change lanes unnecessarily.

·        Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.

·        Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.

·        Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.

·        Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.

·        Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.

·        Anticipate lane shifts, and merge when directed to do so.

·        Be Patient!

ABOUT CDOT

CDOT has approximately 3,000 employees located throughout Colorado, and manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway and 3,429 bridges. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of other agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments and airports. It also administers Bustang, the state-owned and operated interregional express service. Governor Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s intermodal mobility options.