Safety improvements to begin today on US 50 in Fremont County near Texas Creek

Travel Advisory

April 7, 2020 - Southeastern Colorado - Alternating lane closures for bridge rehabilitation at mile point 253 from today through April 10

Fremont County —The Colorado Department of Transportation announces improvements to US Highway 50, west of Canon City near Texas Creek, beginning today, April 7,2020. The project will improve approximately 10.2 miles of roadway along the Arkansas River, beginning at milepost (MP) 250.7, west of Texas Creek, and continuing to milepost (MP) 260.9. The project will improve the roadway with milling and paving, minor rehabilitation work on three bridge structures within the project limits, and significant guardrail improvements including adjustments, removals and replacements The project will greatly enhance safety for travelers and recreationists on this two-lane highway. The project was contracted to APC Southern Construction, of Golden, for $7 million and is expected to be completed in fall 2020. 

US 50 Texas Creek

Travel impacts for the project beginning April 7 through 10, 2020:

  • Crews will begin work at milepost 253 where they will be milling and rehabbing the bridge structure deck.

  • Flagging operation will be on sight to direct travelers through the area as construction equipment enters and exits the work zone.

Traffic Impacts

Project work hours are daylight hours, Monday through Friday. During this time motorists should allow for travel delays up to 15 minutes, as traffic speeds will be reduced to an alternating single-lane closure through the work zone. Motorists traveling on US 50 will find the speed limit reduced to 45 mph through areas of active construction during work hours and are asked to use caution when approaching and driving through the work zone. All business and residence access will be maintained but may be temporarily altered. A 12-foot width restriction will begin on April 12, 2020. The restriction will be in place Monday through Friday during project work hours. No weekend work is currently anticipated.  

Project Information

For additional information about this project, call the project information line at (719) 600-1345, or email the team at [email protected], or visit the project website and sign up for updates at www.codot.gov/projects/us50-paving-texascreek. For information on travel conditions visit COTrip.org or call 511. Updates are also available via Twitter.

COVID-19

Safe transportation infrastructure is essential for emergency first responders and freight drivers as Colorado navigates the COVID-19 pandemic. With that in mind, construction continues on CDOT projects with social distancing and other measures to reduce COVID-19 exposure on the worksite. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced guidelines for construction activities. Gov. Polis issued an emergency, temporary stay-at-home order for all of Colorado, which went into effect Thursday, March 26. With this order, the public is urged to join the campaign for #DoingMyPartCO and avoid all nonessential travel. With fewer vehicles on the roads, CDOT crews will be able to work more efficiently and safely.

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  

In early 2019, CDOT announced 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 interregional express service. Governor Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s intermodal mobility options.