Intersection work on CO 86 in Elizabeth begins March 30

News Release

March 10-2020 - Northeastern Colorado

Elbert County-- The Colorado Department of Transportation will begin an intersection improvement project on Colorado Highway 86 in Elizabeth on March 30. Scott Contracting has been contracted for this $3.7 million project.

Currently, County Road 13 and Elizabeth Street form two T-Intersections approximately 300 feet apart from each other. This intersection improvement project will realign the County Road 13 leg to the Elizabeth Street location, provide necessary widening on CO 86 and Elizabeth Street to accommodate the new intersection design, and reduce two traffic signal locations into one. 

The project is expected to be complete in October.

The project will help to alleviate traffic congestion and make this area safer by reducing rear- end vehicle accidents. This project will include new water lines, sanitary sewer lines, storm sewer, curb and gutter, curb ramps, sidewalks, pavement, traffic signals, embankment, landscaping, new traffic signals, signs and striping. 

Travel Impacts

Work will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Drivers can expect traffic impacts throughout the duration of the project. These impacts include one-lane traffic which will be under flagger control during construction activities and utilize a temporary traffic signal during non-work hours. Traffic fines will be doubled in the work zone. Motorists should slow down as they approach the work zones, drive with caution and give themselves extra travel time. 

Southbound I-25 closure detour map at Upper Lake Gulch Road

Project and Travel Information

For additional information about this project: 

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.

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.