CDOT to begin resurfacing 16 miles of US 385 north of Cheyenne Wells on Sept. 6

Travel Advisory

September 2, 2022 - Northeastern Colorado - Work includes paving the highway, widening shoulders, repairing a bridge, making safety improvements

Cheyenne Wells — Starting after Labor Day, the Colorado Department of Transportation will begin a resurfacing and safety improvement project on a 16-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 385 north of Cheyenne Wells.

Work includes adding up to six inches of new asphalt along the project corridor, repairing a bridge deck, performing full depth reclamation on over three miles of highway and making other safety improvements. A&S Construction has been selected as the prime contractor for the project.

This federally funded project is designed to restore the highway to optimal condition for structural integrity and longevity. Work includes milling and repaving 12 miles of highway, performing full-depth reclamation of almost four miles of highway, replacing deteriorating portions of a concrete bridge deck and adding new safety guardrail. Other work includes adding wider shoulders around two curves, installing new signs, restriping the roadway and adding pavement delineators and rumble strips.

Full depth reclamation of asphalt pavement is a process that recycles and rejuvenates the existing asphalt surface, base, and even subgrade, providing an improved underlying foundation for the new asphalt pavement. Crews will mobilize equipment to a site near the work zone to perform the reclamation and testing during the project’s duration.

The project is located on US 385 north of Cheyenne Wells, a stretch of two-lane highway that begins in Cheyenne County and ends in Kit Carson County. The work zone extends for 16 miles from Mile Point 156.8 to MP 172.7. Work is expected to last for approximately four months with an anticipated completion date of mid-December.

"This project will address much-needed upgrades to the area's most-used highway," said CDOT Regional Transportation Director Heather Paddock. "The repairs will not only create a smoother driving surface for motorists but add important and much needed safety features."

Travel Impacts

  • US 385 will be reduced to a single lane at various mile points within the project limits during constructio
  • Alternating northbound/southbound traffic will be directed by flagger
  • Motorists can expect delays of up to 15 minutes during alternating traffic hold
  • A width restriction of 11 feet will be in place from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. during work activitie
  • Access to county roads and driveways will be maintained
  • Construction signs, cones and devices will be present 24/7 alerting motorists to the closures and restrictions
  • All construction schedules are weather dependent and subject to change.
  • Lane closures and other traffic notices are posted weekly on COTrip.org.

Project Contact Information

For additional information about this project, please refer to the following.

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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