Improvements to US 50 and US 550 in Montrose begin in May

News Release

April 28, 2022 - Northwestern Colorado - Public invited to attend a virtual outreach meeting on Tuesday, May 3

Montrose County - The Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor United Companies will soon begin an overlay project on state highways in and near the City of Montrose. Work will take place on US Highway 50 on the north side of Montrose from Mile Points 86-91.7, as well as on US Highway 550 in Montrose from Mile Points 126.4-130. This means improvements will take place in Montrose County from the intersection of 6075/Harvest Road, between Olathe and Montrose, to Otter Road on the southern edge of Montrose. Work will also take place on frontage roads between Harvest Road and La Salle Road.

The public is invited to attend a virtual outreach meeting on Tuesday, May 3, from 5-6 p.m, to learn more about the project and traffic impacts. The meeting will be a Zoom call and attendees are invited to join using the following link:
https://cdot.zoom.us/j/85330921316?pwd=dXRvTGd4ekJ4bnUrQUkyYk1CTHBUUT09

The project will improve the drivability for motorists on these busy stretches of highway in Montrose County. Additional project work will include epoxy pavement marking, rumble strips, delineators, bridge joints, and installation of a median area inlet. All work on the project is anticipated to end in late September.

Starting the week of May 15, motorists should anticipate slightly longer travel time when traveling on US 50 and the frontage roads between Olathe and Montrose. The longer travel time will usually take place between the hours of 7 p.m and 7 a.m., from Sunday evening through Friday morning.

Traffic Impacts

  • Lane closures are only allowed at night.
  • No detours anticipated. Motorists may encounter alternating lane closures with wait times up to 15 minutes during night work.
  • Two (2) through lanes in each direction and turn lanes will remain open during the day.
  • Loads wider than 12 feet will be restricted through the work zone Sunday through Thursday night from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Project Information

If you have questions or concerns or if you would like to be added to our public outreach contact list to receive construction updates, please contact us!

Know Before You Go

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!

Download the COtrip App!

The new FREE COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!