Local developer to make improvements to CO 291  just north of U.S. 50

September 11, 2019 - Southwestern Colorado - Construction to last through October, business access maintained

Travelers in the Salida area will encounter traffic impacts on the south side of town over the next few weeks due to an intersection and road improvement project. The improvements, which started this week, will widen Colorado Highway 291 (Oak Street) between Illinois Street on the north end and U.S. Highway 50 to the south. The work will also provide safer dedicated left-turn lanes on CO 291 onto both County Road 105 (Old Stage Road) and U.S. 50 and a dedicated left turn-lane from CR 105 onto CO 291.  

TRAVEL IMPACTS 

CO 291 will be closed to through traffic between U.S. 50 and Illinois Street. Additionally, CR 105 between CO 291 and Scott Street, will be closed to through traffic. Motorists should use the detour route established using Hunt Street off of U.S. 50 and connecting to Illinois Street off of CO 291. These sections of road are open to local traffic only and access is allowed to local businesses within the construction area. A map is attached. Work will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. The intersections and construction areas will be open at night and on weekends. Construction will continue through the end of October.

MAP_Salida CO 291_Two Rivers Dev Permit (1).jpg

The improvements are part of the new Two Rivers development agreement with the City of Salida to address future traffic count increases and to improve the safety of the existing intersections. The design was coordinated with and approved by CDOT. All construction work and costs are being paid for by the developer as part of the subdivision agreement.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO 

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

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.  

Earlier this year, CDOT launched its Whole System — Whole Safety initiative to heighten safety awareness. This initiative 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 inter-regional express service. Governor Jared Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s inter-modal mobility options.