Increased delays expected next week on CO 7 in Estes Park

August 1, 2019 - Northeastern Colorado

ESTES PARK, CO — As crews from the Colorado Department of Transportation and Flatiron Constructors move in to paving operations on Colorado Highway 7, wait times are expected to increase. Starting Monday, longer delays will occur from Lily Lake to Saint Malo’s Chapel. 

Travelers should expect up to 45-minute delays with one-lane closures lasting throughout the week. A pilot car will lead vehicles through the construction zone for safety. If possible, motorists are encouraged to use Colorado Highway 36 in and out of Estes Park.  

Much of the construction will take place in the vicinity of two popular outdoor destinations, Twin Sisters and Lily Lake. This may impact bicycling and hiking activities due to the additional wait times and heavy equipment. Access to these areas will remain open. 

In addition to the work south of Estes Park, beginning Monday, Aug. 12, crews will resume in-town construction at Lexington Lane, closing the intersection for approximately two weeks. A detour using Pine Knoll Drive will allow access to Lexington Lane. Due to unforeseen utility issues in this area, crews were unable to complete underground work necessary for final paving back in June. 

PROJECT SCHEDULE 

  • Work on this project began last spring and will go through October with the most impactful work being completed by the end of August.

  • Normal working hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

TRAVEL IMPACTS 

  • Single lane closures with up to 45-minute delays during the day

  • Pilot car through paving work zones 

  • Shoulder closures 

  • Sidewalk detours

PROJECT DETAILS

  • Cost: $13,000,000

  • Permanent flood repairs 

  • Mill and overlay

  • Road widening to accommodate bike lanes

  • Culvert repairs and replacement  

  • Curb ramps and sidewalk tie-ins

STAY INFORMED: The public is encouraged to sign up for notifications to stay informed. Subscribe to updates by contacting the project hotline phone number at 970-903-9785 or email [email protected]. Additional information on CO 7 can be obtained by visiting the project website: www.codot.gov/projects/co-7-road-bike-lane-ada-improvements-in-estes-park

   

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.