Project Underway:  Fresh striping operations take place on southwest and south-central Colorado highways

Travel Advisory

May 18, 2022 - Southwestern Colorado -

Southwest & South-Central Colorado— The Colorado Department of Transportation, in partnership with Straight Stripe Painting Inc., is performing summer striping operations on highways throughout southwestern and south-central Colorado. Work is scheduled to be completed by mid-August 2022.

This project involves painting over existing striping and pavement markings on both asphalt and concrete pavement types. These new white and yellow markings will match existing pavement lines. Work began this week on US 550 at locations near Silverton.

“By completing yearly maintenance on our highway pavement markings, we are able to preserve the safety and integrity of our highways,” said CDOT Chief Engineer, Steve Harelson. “It is important to maintain the reflectivity on highway centerlines and edge lines to help guide the traveling public, especially at night and during inclement weather conditions.”

The following highways will be worked upon between the indicated Mile Points:

  • US 160 - MP 7.7-236
  • CO 491 - MP 27.3-36.8
  • CO 145 - MP 71.5 -116.8
  • US 550 - MP 0 - 117.53
  • US 24 - MP 193-226
  • US 285 - MP 126 - 148
  • US 50 - MP 165.5-241
  • CO 291 - MP 0 - 9

Southwestern Colorado Regionwide Striping project map

Traffic Impacts

  • Mobile traffic control will be used in work zones with slow moving directional traffic
  • Drivers may expect delays and are asked to exercise patience when encountering the mobile pavement marking zone
  • Use caution and slower speeds when traveling through the work zone as there will be wet paint throughout
  • General working hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Stay Informed

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!