Highway improvements to begin on US 50 in Saguache County at Sargents

Travel Advisory

May 20, 2021 - South Central/Southwestern Colorado

SAGUACHE COUNTY — The Colorado Department of Transportation announces improvements to US Highway 50 in Saguache County beginning next week. The project will improve approximately 10 miles of US 50 beginning east of Sargents at milepost (MP) 192.50 and continuing west to MP 181.5. 

The work includes resurfacing of approximately 10 miles of roadway that will incorporate deck milling, sealing and repaving at two bridge structures; shouldering; erosion control; guardrail replacement; signing and final striping. The project was contracted to APC Southern Construction, of Golden, for $4.4 million and is expected to be completed in July 2021. 

“This project will enhance safety for motorists traveling along this two-lane highway,” said Julie Constan, CDOT Southwest Regional Transportation Director. “Once the resurfacing work is completed, drivers will find a smoother roadway surface with new guardrail, new signage, high visibility markings and stabilized shoulders. These enhancements will make the highway safer for local residents, visitors and commercial truck traffic.”

Traffic Impacts

Beginning Wednesday, May 26, during work hours motorists are asked to use caution when approaching and driving through the work zone. Travel impacts for the project include:

  • Project work hours are daylight hours, Monday through Friday. No weekend or night time work is currently anticipated. 
  • Expect travel delays of up to 15 minutes.
  • Motorists will encounter brief closures with single-lane alternating traffic to allow trucks and equipment to enter and exit the work zone.
  • The speed limit is reduced to 40 mph through the work zone. 
  • Crews will begin work at the west end of the project limits, MP 181.6
  • Flagging personnel will be on sight to direct travelers through the area as construction equipment enters and exits the work zone.
  • A 12-foot width restriction will be in place during project work hours.
  • All business and residence access will be maintained but may be temporarily alerted.

Notice to Commercial Truckers and Through Travelers on US 50

West bound commercial truck drivers and other travelers should be aware of major closures due to the US 50 Little Blue Creek Canyon project, located west of Gunnison. Travel time between Sargents and the Little Blue Creek Canyon closure point is approximately 1.5 hours. Travelers are urged to plan ahead. Visit the project website for more information about the US 50 Little Blue Creek Canyon Project: www.us50info.com.

Project Information

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

For information on road work and travel conditions 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!