Resurfacing and widening of US 50 between Las Animas and La Junta

OTERO & BENT COUNTIES — The Colorado Department of Transportation, in cooperation with A & S Construction, will begin work on US Highway 50 between Las Animas and La Junta. This resurfacing and widening project will take place from MP 287 to MP 397. Work will start on March 8 and continue through June.

In addition to ten miles of resurfacing, this project consists of roadway improvements including:

• widening for eastbound passing lane
• guardrail replacement
• sign replacement
• roadway patching
• culvert installation
  

The resurfacing and widening will create smoother pavement and improved driving conditions, which in turn will improve safety along this corridor.

“The rural resurfacing project will have lasting safety benefits for the communities US 50 connects,” explained CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “Motorists, along with agricultural and freight vehicles, will experience improved mobility with additional passing opportunities and improved surface.”

Traffic Impacts

Beginning March 8, motorists will encounter road work on US 50. Traffic impacts include:

• Work will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fridays.
• Speeds will be reduced to 45 mph in the work zone.
• During daytime activities, traffic flow will be reduced to alternating single lane traffic in multiple areas, with the use of flagger control.
• 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.

Travelers driving through resurfacing projects are urged to: 

• Slow down ― Higher speeds can cause loose stones to scatter and damage vehicle paint and windshields.
• Increase distance between vehicles ― Space between you and other vehicles will help reduce vehicle damage caused by loose stones.
• Follow work zone signage ― Consider the safety of other motorists and the safety of the work crew when traveling through the project construction zone.
• Use caution ― Bicyclists and motorcyclists should use extreme caution during construction operations.

Project Information

For additional information about this project: 

• Call the project information line at 719-299-5859
• Email the project team at: [email protected]
• Visit the project website at: https://www.codot.gov/projects/us50-las-animas-resurfacing

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!