Learn About the US 285 Safety Improvements Project

News Release

Colorado Department of Transportation Requests Community Participation through Virtual Event

PARK COUNTY — US Highway 285 continues to experience traffic congestion and crashes due to the increase in motorists that travel the corridor. CDOT has identified safety improvements near the town of Bailey and will be holding a Virtual Public Outreach Event to discuss how the safety issues are being addressed. Community input is important. 

Virtual Public Outreach Event
Thursday, July 9, 2020 | 6 – 7 p.m.

Please register in advance at www.codot.gov/projects/us285-improvements.

For the safety of our community during this COVID-19 pandemic CDOT is hosting this July 9 virtual public outreach event through Zoom. Participating in the video call is strongly suggested. You may participate by computer or smart phone. If you don’t have video access please use the phone number that will be provided with registration. 

The US 285 Safety Improvements Project is intended to make the route safer for the traveling public, reduce risk for local residents, improve flow through the area, and reduce crashes. The project focuses on: 

  • Northbound US 285 through the Town of Bailey 
  • Northbound/southbound US 285 between the interchange at County Road 72 and Rosalie 

Road, approximately one mile 

  • Safer and more efficient routes as a result of the removal of the traffic signal at US 285 and CR 43A

STAY CONNECTED

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.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • 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. 

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.