US 285 Lane Closures and Traffic Delays - Alternative Routes Suggested

FAIRPLAY, CO — The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and contractor APC Southern are working on a resurfacing overlay project on US 285 near Fairplay, Colo. The project also includes the addition of passing lanes south of Fairplay. 

Summer tourism will increase traffic volumes on US 285 in this project area. With the addition of the 20-mile construction project on US 285, motorists can expect delays. “Because of the timing of this project drivers can expect daytime traffic delays near Fairplay,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew.  “Road work inevitably causes traffic delays, which can lead to risky driver behavior. Prepare ahead of time for any traffic delays along US 285, and remain calm if you do encounter backups due to the road work,” said Executive Director Lew.

CDOT will continue to warn drivers ahead of time of any closures related to this resurfacing project. There are a number of alternative routes that the traveling public can consider based upon their destination.

Watch for delays: Frequent daytime lane closures will result in alternating single-lane traffic, but the project will be suspended around holidays and tourist-heavy events. 

 The road surface improvements begin at US 285, north and south of Fairplay, approximate mileposts (MP) 170 to 182 and 183 to 191. The 3-mile passing lanes will be added south of Fairplay between MP 175 to 178. There is no work scheduled between MP 182 and 183. 

Additionally, the project will update guardrail to current standards and culvert extensions in the passing lane location. This seven-month project is anticipated to be complete by November 2019.

Travel Impacts: Motorists can expect flagger operations with north and southbound one-lane alternating traffic, significant delays and a 40 mile per hour speed limit reduction. Construction will take place during daylight hours, Monday through Thursday, and sunrise to Noon, Friday. Construction schedules are subject to change based on weather/unforeseen circumstances. Alternative routes are suggested. Lane reduction times and dates may fluctuate; sign up to receive weekly Travel Advisories with the most up-to-date information by sending an email to US285Overlay@gmail requesting to be added to the distribution.

For updated project information call 719-551-5281 or email [email protected]. For project information visit https://www.codot.gov/projects/us-285-fairplay-resurfacing Information about weekly lane closures is available at https://www.codot.gov/travel/scheduled-lane-closures.html

For information regarding CDOT projects statewide, log on to www.codot.gov. Updates are also available via Twitter @coloradodot and be sure to “Like” our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/coloradodot.  

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.