Winter shutdown for CO 13 Rio Blanco Hill widening project

Travel Advisory

December 19, 2022 - Northwestern Colorado - The planned winter shutdown is necessary to keep the traveling public and crews safe during winter weather conditions

Garfield County — A planned winter shutdown is now in place for the widening project on Colorado Highway 13, located 11 miles northwest of Rifle. The planned winter shutdown is necessary to keep the traveling public and crews safe during winter weather conditions.

All lanes of CO 13 are open with all shouldering/slopes complete for safe travel. Work on the wildlife fencing will continue into the winter months but will have no effect on CO 13 travelers.

During the 2022 construction season, crews completed the installation of box culverts and 72” jacked steel pipes. Other items completed were asphalt patching and the relocation of the CDOT Intelligent Transport System (ITS). The following construction items were started and will be completed next season: headwall structure at 72” jacked pipe, storm drainage crossings, game ramps, wildlife fencing/animal crossings and embankment import.

Crews installing a corrugated metal pipe near CO 13 Rio Blanco Hill

Project Schedule for 2023

Work will resume in spring 2023. Crews will complete the concrete lined ditch, geosynthetic reinforced soil (GRS) wall, type 9 barrier wall, cattle/deer guards, aggregate base course, asphalt paving, roadway mitigation, storm drainage completion, permanent signage, permanent striping and new guardrails. The anticipated completion date is November 2023.

Finished concrete box culvert ready to be installed near CO 13 Rio Blanco Hill

More Project Information

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

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!