CO 82 paving improvements to begin Aug. 12 on CO 82

Aug. 5, 2019 -


GARFIELD COUNTY – As part of the “Whole System-Whole Safety” program improvements for the Colorado Highway 82 corridor project, construction crews will begin work on asphalt milling and paving beginning on Monday, Aug. 12. Crews will remove the surface of the asphalt driving lanes and add a new layer of asphalt to even out the road surface at peeling and rutted areas. Paving operations between 24th Street in Glenwood Springs and mile point 12, just past the main Carbondale exit, are expected to be complete by October.

CDOT has prioritized this area for construction due to the condition of the roadway that has seen significant rutting which often results in standing water on the highway. This project will provide an improved driving surface and help ensure the longevity and safety of our infrastructure.

During mill and overlay work, motorists should anticipate stretches of lane closures, reduced speed limits and narrowed roads during daylight hours. The work areas will generally be shifting in a stair step pattern with work occurring first in the left passing lane then in the right travel lane. Delays are anticipated. 

“There are several areas where lane closures will mean narrow travel lanes,” said General Contractor Gregg Rippy of Grand River Construction. “It is critical that motorists follow the reduced speed signage in the work areas to keep both fellow motorists and our crews safe on the project. Give the road your full attention. Don’t be on your cell phones, look out for others vehicles, and please, watch for our flaggers and workers.”

In order to minimize impacts to the traveling public, there will be no lane closures during the morning peak for the eastbound/up valley lanes (towards Aspen, 6 to 9 a.m.) or during the afternoon peak for the westbound/down valley lanes (towards Glenwood Springs, 3 to 7 p.m.). To sign up for traffic and trail impact updates, please contact public information via email, [email protected], or phone, 970-340-4333.

This work is part of a $7.3 million CDOT contract awarded to local contractor, Grand River Construction based in Glenwood Springs. On CO 82, work includes asphalt mill and overlay, guardrail replacement, utility work, ramp improvements and striping. This contract also encompasses chip seal and striping work on US Highway 6 between Rifle and New Castle.


STAY INFORMED

REMEMBER: 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!

WHOLE SYSTEM. WHOLE SAFETY.  

To heighten safety awareness, CDOT recently announced its Whole System — Whole Safety initiative. This project takes a systematic statewide approach to safety combining the benefits of CDOT’s programs that address driving behaviors, our built environment and the organization's operations. The goal is to improve the safety of Colorado’s transportation network by reducing the rate and severity of crashes and improving the safety of all transportation modes. The program has one simple mission—to get everyone home safely.

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.