CDOT begins ADA ramp project across several eastern central counties

EASTERN COLORADO – The Colorado Department of Transportation and contract partner TLM Constructors will begin a curb ramp rehabilitation project across four eastern central counties on May 17. Work will kick off in the Town of Kiowa in Elbert County and entails bringing existing curb ramps at key intersections into compliance with Americans with Disabilities safety and accessibility guidelines. 

Regional Transportation Director Heather Paddock said, “We’re excited at the prospect of new and improved accessibility measures being implemented as part of this project’s overall design.”

Other work includes patching sections of pavement, replacing curb and gutter, applying pavement markings, and making pedestrian modifications to traffic signals in the immediate vicinity of the curb ramp replacements. The project also supports CDOT’s Whole System, Whole Safety initiative. 

Project Description

This project consists of retrofitting existing curb ramps to comply with ADA guidelines. These ramps are located at various intersections on multiple highways in Cheyenne, Elbert, Kit Carson and Lincoln Counties. 

Existing ramps will be demolished onsite with minimal impacts expected to grading, utilities and landscaping.

Access to businesses and residences will be maintained throughout construction. The new curb ramps will be sloped for easier access, finished with a slip resistant surface, and will include other features to meet ADA guidelines.

Travel Impacts

• Single lane closures will exist during working hours for access to curb ramps and to stage equipment. 

• Sidewalks and ramps will be closed during periods of construction as well as overnight to allow the concrete to gain strength prior to reopening to pedestrian traffic. Detour signage will be in place to direct pedestrians to alternate routes.

• Some driveways and entryways to residences and businesses may need to be temporarily narrowed to allow for curb ramp replacement, but access will be maintained.

• Businesses and residences will be notified in advance of any work in front of their property.

• Detour signage, construction cones and flagger operations will be in place to direct pedestrians and cyclists around the closures.

• All construction schedules are weather dependent and subject to change.

• Lane closures and other traffic notices are posted weekly on COTrip.org.

Project Locations

The project spans key intersections in 10 towns across four counties in the eastern central region of the state. 

Project Schedule

The project begins on Monday, April 26 with an anticipated completion date of November 24, 2021. Working hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday with some possible weekend work. All construction schedules are weather dependent and subject to change.

Project Information

For information about this project, sign up for email updates at [email protected], call the local project information line at 719.507.9083, or visit the project website at https://www.codot.gov/projects/east-central-ada-curb-ramps. For information on any lane closures, please visit COTrip.org, or call 511. Updates are also available via Twitter @coloradodot and CDOT’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/coloradodot.

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.

• Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so

• Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.

• Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.

• 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.

• 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.