Safety improvements to US 24 between Hartsel and Lake George

Travel Advisory

June 15, 2021 - Southeastern Colorado - Traffic impacts will begin on June 21

PARK COUNTY — The Colorado Department of Transportation, in cooperation with Tezak Heavy Equipment, will be moving forward with a safety improvement project on US Highway 24 between Hartsel and Lake George. Survey work will begin June 7 with minimal impacts to traffic. Work impacting traffic will start on June 21 and will continue through November 2021. The safety improvements will take place on US 24 between MP 253 and MP 254.5.

Crews will work on shoulder widening, guardrail placement, cross slope improvement, HMA overlay, as well as signing and striping. The project will greatly enhance the safety and functionality of this section of the highway. 

“US 24 is a highly traveled corridor, particularly in the summer with recreational tourists,” said CDOT’s Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “ These improvements are essential to ensure motorists can move safely and reliably through the area for years to come. It will be critically important for motorists to adhere to work zone safety this summer, as we enhance the infrastructure in Park County”

Travel Impacts

Beginning June 21, motorists will encounter road work on US 24. Traffic impacts will include:

  • Working hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

  • Various lane and shoulder closures will take place within the work zone.

  • Traffic fines will be doubled in the work zone. Motorists should slow down as they approach the work zones, drive with caution, allow extra space between vehicles, and give themselves extra travel time.

US 24 Hartsel Improvements

Project 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:

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. 

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!