Motorists must follow lowered speed limits, traffic signals in US 50 Purcell work zone

News Release

August 3, 2021 - Southeastern Colorado - Distracted drivers are putting others in danger


Motorists must follow lowered speed limits, traffic signals in US 50 Purcell work zone Distracted drivers are putting others in danger PUEBLO — CDOT, Colorado State Patrol and Pueblo West Fire Department are strongly advising motorists to pay attention and to slow down when traveling through the US 50 and Purcell Boulevard interchange work zone. Officials have seen an upward trend of crashes near the intersection where an interchange is being constructed and many have been caused by driver inattention or excessive speed. “As construction continues to improve the intersection of US Highway 50 West and Purcell Blvd., motorists are encouraged to continually be aware of the traffic around them and the workers providing these improvements,” said Pueblo West Fire Chief Brian Caserta. “It is up to everyone to slow down and be aware of the work being performed in the construction zone to avoid a crash that can injure someone. Everyone should adhere to the posted speed limits in construction zones. Watch for slowing or stopped traffic, construction equipment and construction workers. Should a crash happen, look for our first responders from law enforcement, fire and emergency medical personnel who are there to keep everyone safe. We all have places we want to go and we want you to get there safely.” With the recent traffic shift, crews are busy with multiple tasks in the work area, often near the roadway. When traveling through a work zone, it is important for drivers to pay close attention to the road, keep an eye out for workers and not be distracted by cell phones. Obeying work-zone speed limits and traffic signals are crucial to make sure workers and motorists stay safe — especially when work is taking place at night. “As the summer travel season continues across our great state and construction projects are in full swing, specifically on US 50 and Purcell Blvd, we have a simple but meaningful request for all motorists - Slow for the Cone Zone!,” explained Colorado State Patrol Major Brian Lyons. “All too often we see motorists driving without regard for others, especially those working within these zones by speeding, making unsafe lane changes, turning left in front of approaching traffic, and forgetting the rules of the road. The privilege to drive is just that, a privilege not a right, so put down the distractions, keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, obey all traffic laws, and respect those working within the cone zones by ensuring you travel through this area safely so they too ARRIVE ALIVE at home with their families!” Following the temporary traffic shift onto the on and off ramps, the speed limit in the US 50 and Purcell work zone is 45 mph. “We appreciate the community’s patience as we build this much needed infrastructure improvement,”said Regional Transportation Director Richard Zamora. “We are asking each motorist traveling through the work zone to make safe choices behind the wheel, your life and the lives of others depend on it.” 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! STAY INFORMED: 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: Road conditions and travel information: www.COtrip.org Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COalerts See scheduled lane closures: codot.gov/travel/scheduled-lane-closures.html Connect with us on social media: Twitter @coloradodot and Facebook facebook.com/coloradodot More information is available at: Project website: www.codot.gov/projects/us50interchange Project information hotline: 719-789-5099 Project email: US50Pueblo@PublicInfoTeam.com Traffic Alerts: Text US50Purcell to 313131. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out. Terms of Use. Privacy Policy. About CDOT CDOT’s Whole System-Whole Safety program has one simple mission — to get everyone home safely. Our approximately 3,000 employees work tirelessly to reduce the rate and severity of crashes and improve the safety of all modes of transportation. The department manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway, more than 3,000 bridges and 35 mountain passes. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments and airports. It also operates Bustang, the state-owned interregional express bus service. Gov. Jared Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s intermodal mobility options.

PUEBLO — CDOT, Colorado State Patrol and Pueblo West Fire Department are strongly advising motorists to pay attention and to slow down when traveling through the US 50 and Purcell Boulevard interchange work zone.

Officials have seen an upward trend of crashes near the intersection where an interchange is being constructed and many have been caused by driver inattention or excessive speed.

“As construction continues to improve the intersection of US Highway 50 West and Purcell Blvd., motorists are encouraged to continually be aware of the traffic around them and the workers providing these improvements,” said Pueblo West Fire Chief Brian Caserta. “It is up to everyone to slow down and be aware of the work being performed in the construction zone to avoid a crash that can injure someone. Everyone should adhere to the posted speed limits in construction zones. Watch for slowing or stopped traffic, construction equipment and construction workers. Should a crash happen, look for our first responders from law enforcement, fire and emergency medical personnel who are there to keep everyone safe. We all have places we want to go and we want you to get there safely.” 

With the recent traffic shift, crews are busy with multiple tasks in the work area, often near the roadway. When traveling through a work zone, it is important for drivers to pay close attention to the road, keep an eye out for workers and not be distracted by cell phones. Obeying work-zone speed limits and traffic signals are crucial to make sure workers and motorists stay safe — especially when work is taking place at night.

“As the summer travel season continues across our great state and construction projects are in full swing, specifically on US 50 and Purcell Blvd, we have a simple but meaningful request for all motorists - Slow for the Cone Zone!,” explained Colorado State Patrol Major Brian Lyons. “All too often we see motorists driving without regard for others, especially those working within these zones by speeding, making unsafe lane changes, turning left in front of approaching traffic, and forgetting the rules of the road.  The privilege to drive is just that, a privilege not a right, so put down the distractions, keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, obey all traffic laws, and respect those working within the cone zones by ensuring you travel through this area safely so they too ARRIVE ALIVE at home with their families!”

Following the temporary traffic shift onto the on and off ramps, the speed limit in the US 50 and Purcell work zone is 45 mph. “We appreciate the community’s patience as we build this much needed infrastructure improvement,”said Regional Transportation Director Richard Zamora. “We are asking each motorist traveling through the work zone to make safe choices behind the wheel, your life and the lives of others depend on it.” 

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!

Stay Informed

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:

More information is available at: 

Project website: www.codot.gov/projects/us50interchange

Project information hotline: 719-789-5099

Project email: [email protected]

Traffic Alerts: Text US50Purcell to 313131. Message and
data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out. Terms of Use. Privacy Policy.

About CDOT

CDOT’s Whole System-Whole Safety program has one simple mission — to get everyone home safely. Our approximately 3,000 employees work tirelessly to reduce the rate and severity of crashes and improve the safety of all modes of transportation. The department manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway, more than 3,000 bridges and 35 mountain passes. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments and airports. It also operates Bustang, the state-owned interregional express bus service. Gov. Jared Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s intermodal mobility options.