Westbound I-76 pavement work starts in this spring near Fort Morgan and Brush

Travel Advisory

March 20, 2020 - Northeastern Colorado - Minor road work begins soon on US 34 in preparation for future pavement rehabilitation

 
FORT MORGAN – Both Interstate 76 and US Highway 34 near Fort Morgan and Brush are set for major pavement rehabilitation work this construction season and next. 

The Colorado Department of Transportation has canceled both information sessions scheduled for this month in Fort Morgan and Brush. The latest project information is available at https://www.codot.gov/projects/i-76-us-34-fort-morgan-brush-resurfacing. During this time of uncertainty, citizens are encouraged to visit the website or call the hotline at 970-427-4005 with any questions or to reach the project team.

Starting this spring, CDOT and contractor partner, Martin Marietta, will begin extensive pavement work on westbound Interstate 76 at two separate work zones near the cities of Fort Morgan and Brush: 

  • I-76 from west of Colorado Highway 144 (mile point 78.2) to east of Barlow Road (MP 82.9)

  • I-76 near US 6 east of Brush (MP 90.8 to 92.3)

This project will repair six bridges on I-76, remove and replace asphalt, upgrade guardrail, and restripe the highway. I-76 will be reduced to one westbound lane through each work zone. The 24/7 single-lane configuration will help expedite construction. Once work is complete in the right lane, traffic will switch onto the new pavement and work will occur in the left lane. Similar repairs are planned for eastbound I-76 starting in late summer. All I-76 work is expected to be complete by the end of 2020.

“This project demonstrates our commitment to provide safe highways in northeast Colorado. We’re investing over $20 million on approximately 20 miles of I-76 and US 34. Both corridors are vital to the communities of Fort Morgan and Brush and our agricultural interests here in Colorado”, said Heather Paddock, regional transportation director for Northeast Colorado for CDOT.  

This project also includes major asphalt pavement rehabilitation along most of US 34 from I-76 to CO 71 south. Starting this spring, the contractor will begin the following minor work in preparation for future resurfacing: 

  • Bridge repairs at three locations

  • Roadway shoulder stabilization and reinforcement adjacent the Brush Lateral Ditch

  • Curb ramp upgrades at several intersections in downtown Fort Morgan and Brush

Intermittent lane closures are expected on US 34. Temporary sidewalk closures may be necessary in downtown areas, but business access will remain open during construction. Work on US 34 is anticipated to extend into fall 2021.

For additional project information, call the project hotline at 970-427-4005, send an email to [email protected] or visit the website at https://www.codot.gov/projects/i-76-us-34-fort-morgan-brush-resurfacing. Text CONSTRUCT to 21000 to sign up for construction alerts.

For real-time information regarding traffic impacts on any state highway, motorists can sign up for CDOT email and text alerts by visiting www.codot.gov and clicking on the small envelope icon at the bottom right of the page. Updates are also available via Twitter @coloradodot and Facebook (www.facebook.com/coloradodot).

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.