CDOT begins US 50 chip seal project on June 1

Travel Advisory

May 28, 2020 - Northwestern Colorado


GUNNISON COUNTY - Starting Monday, June 1, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and contract partner United Companies will begin a chip seal project on US Highway 50. The project will take place between Mile Point 116 (east of Montrose and Cimarron) and MP 182 (east of Gunnison). Project work will begin at MP 116. Throughout the project and during working hours, work will take place on more than one section of the roadway at a time. A total of approximately 44 miles will be improved, with the project anticipated to be completed in September 2020. Weekly updates about the project will alert motorists on which sections of US 50 will have road work and travel impacts.

As part of CDOT’s “Whole System-Whole Safety” initiative, this project will focus on a chip seal application and crack filling to protect and prolong the surface of the roadway. Crews will also install rumble strips and new striping. The new surface will enhance safety for motorists by providing skid resistance and will prolong the life of the roadway surface and reduce overall cracking. The new striping will offer better visibility for drivers and rumble strips will alert drivers if they are leaving the roadway.   

Crews will also remove the old epoxy striping and replace it with a temporary paint during construction. The chip seal does not adhere to the epoxy paint and to prevent future separation of the chip seal, the old epoxy is removed and temporary striping is placed. 

TRAVEL IMPACTS 

Motorists can expect single-lane, alternating traffic in the work zones with 30 minute delays, and a 35 mph speed limit. The project will be in operation Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.   

PROJECT INFORMATION

Those seeking more information about this project, or with questions or comments, can reach the project team at: 

Map of work zone on US 50 between Mile Point 116 and 182

US 50 Chip Seal Work Zone Map

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, road maintenance and 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 by practicing social distancing, wearing face masks, staying at home when possible, and avoiding nonessential travel. With fewer vehicles on the roads, CDOT crews will be able to work more efficiently and safely.

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.