Intersection improvements commence at US 160 and CO 17 in Alamosa
ALAMOSA — The Colorado Department of Transportation and crews with prime contractor, Concrete Works of Colorado, recently began a project to improve the intersection of US Highway 160 and CO Highway 17. Upgrades to the intersection include a new traffic signal that will replace stop signs currently at this location. The new signal will include universal push buttons and indicators for pedestrians. Curb ramps will also be constructed in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, which has been a statewide initiative for CDOT since 2018.
A primary goal of the project is full-depth reconstruction of the intersection including several feet of the approaches in all four directions. Deteriorating asphalt will be removed and upgraded with concrete pavement. Additionally, a new storm sewer system will improve drainage. Work also includes utility relocation.
PROJECT SCHEDULE & TRAFFIC IMPACTS
The intersection improvement project is scheduled from July to the first part of December in a two-phase process.
During phase one, lasting until mid-September, turn lanes on US 160 will see a full-time, 24-7 closure. Vehicles will be funneled into one access point in both directions, east and west. Travelers can expect congestion and delays during this time period.
Phase two of the project will move to the north on CO 17 with the same type of work and will continue through October. The remainder of the project, through December, will focus on removing asphalt and replacing it with concrete at the intersection.
Working hours during both phases of the project will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. In special cases, these hours may be extended or weekend work may be necessary.
Throughout the duration of the project, motorists will encounter one-lane closures as well as turn-lane closures. There will be much work activity on the shoulders of the highways at the intersection. The traveling public is urged to drive cautiously through the work zone.
PROJECT INFORMATION 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 emailing [email protected]. Additional information can be found on the website: www.codot.gov/projects/us160-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Be patient!
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 health safety measures to reduce COVID-19 exposure on the worksite. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced guidelines for construction activities. The public is urged to join the campaign for #DoingMyPartCO and practice social distancing, wear face masks, stay at home when possible, and avoid nonessential travel. With fewer vehicles on the roads, CDOT crews will be able to work more efficiently and safely.
WHOLE SYSTEM. WHOLE SAFETY.
Last year, 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 inter-regional express service. Gov. Jared Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s multimodal mobility options.
