Reconstruction and widening begins on CO 13 at Fortification Creek North

Travel Advisory

March 29, 2021 - Northwestern Colorado

MOFFAT COUNTY — The Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor IHC Scott will begin reconstruction and minor widening on Colorado Highway 13 starting April 1. This safety improvements project will rebuild and widen a section of CO 13 located north of Craig, from Mile Point 111 to MP 116. The safety improvements will ensure the safety of travelers and pedestrians as well as area wildlife. Work includes excavation, earthwork, concrete work, a wildlife underpass structure, retaining walls, culvert removal and replacement and more. Traffic impacts are detailed further below.

“Improvements in this area are critical for communities on either end of this important rural highway,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “This is an excellent example of how CDOT works to make sure all parts of the state receive a fair share of improvements for essential roadways.”

Wildlife often travels along and across CO 13 in this location. In order to improve wildlife safety, crews will construct an arch bridge with an underpass for wildlife to safely travel underneath traffic. Crews will also install wildlife detection systems, fencing, and wildlife ramps.

“The Western Slope is on the cutting edge of making it easier for wildlife to migrate from one area to the next,” said Regional Transportation Director Michael Goolsby. “We’re excited this project includes smart, innovative ways to make this corridor safer for motorists and wildlife.”

The project is located 20 miles north of Craig and 12 miles south of the Wyoming border (please see map below). Additional work for crews includes culvert lining, clearing and grubbing, aggregate base course, asphalt paving, shouldering, fencing, striping, signing, erosion control, traffic control, and seeding. 

Project Schedule

  • Work will begin Monday, April 4 and is anticipated to be complete by the end of Fall 2021.

  • Daytime working hours will be Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    • Delays up to 30 minutes at times, can be expected

  • Night will be from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. from April to June

    • Delays up to 3 hours at times, can be expected. Traffic will be able to move through the work zone at 11:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. then back to normal 30 minute holds at 5:00 a.m.

* Construction schedule is subject to change based on weather or unforeseen circumstances.  

Travel Impacts

  • There will be one-lane alternating traffic 24/7 throughout the course of the project.

  • Delays up to 30 minutes at times, can be expected during the day.

  • Delays up to 3 hours throughout the night from April through June. Traffic will be able to move through the work zone at 11:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. then back to normal 30 minute holds at 5:00 a.m.

  • The speed limit will be reduced through the work zone.

  • Loads wider than 10 feet and 100 feet long will be restricted through the work zone.

  • Motorists must obey speed reductions and watch for construction personnel and equipment in the work zone.


Fortification Creek Map

Project & Travel Information

For additional information about this project, contact the project team. 

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!

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.