Improvements on CO 96 between Westcliffe and Wetmore in Custer County postponed until Spring 2023

Travel Advisory

October 27, 2022 - Southeastern Colorado - Work on the roadway improvements will begin once daytime temperatures move from cold to moderate

Custer County - The Colorado Department of Transportation announced today that paving operations on CO 96 will be suspended until spring of 2023. Paving operations can only be performed when temperatures are warmer and more favorable. Work on the roadway improvements to CO 96 in Custer County will begin once daytime temperatures move from cold to moderate in April 2023.

Crews have completed signs, patching and guardrail throughout the project work area and once work resumes pavement milling, paving, shouldering; erosion control; seeding; and final striping will be completed. The project will improve approximately 26 miles of CO 96. Resurfacing begins at mile point (MP) 0 and continues west to MP 26. The project will enhance safety for travelers on this two-lane highway. When completed motorists will find a smoother roadway surface with high visibility markings, stabilized shoulders and paved turnouts. A smooth highway surface is not only safer, but also enhances the driving experience for motorists.

CO 96 project improvements from mile point 0 to mile point 26.2

Traffic Impacts

When project work resumes production hours will be daylight hours, Monday through Friday. No weekend work is currently anticipated. Motorists will encounter brief closures with single-lane alternating traffic and should allow for travel delays of up to 15 minutes. Flagging personnel will be on sight to direct travelers as speed limits will reduced to 40 mph in the immediate work zone. There will also be a12-foot width restriction in place.

Project Information

For additional information about this project:

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!

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