US 550 resurfacing project from Ouray to Colona to resume

Travel Advisory

April 10, 2023 - Southwest Colorado - Another project south of Montrose will cause additional delays in the area

Ouray County — The Colorado Department of Transportation and contracting partner Elam Construction of Grand Junction will resume work on the US Highway 550 resurfacing project on April 17. The project will improve 22 miles of US 550 from Mile Point 93.8, north of Ouray, to MP 115.6, just south of Colona.

Crews will finish shouldering, top mat paving and final striping from Ridgway to Colona and install new signs and delineators from Ouray to Colona. The project has an anticipated completion date of June 2023.

During the past 2022 construction season crews performed culvert maintenance, lane widening, lane level paving and shouldering. Top mat paving and approaches have been completed from Ridgway to Ouray. An additional work zone was located south of Ouray at Bear Creek tunnel (MP 90 to 91) where crews replaced concrete panel approaches at each end of the tunnel.

The new asphalt will add approximately 10 years of life to the highway, provide a smoother road surface and will add durability by increasing the resistance of ruts and road damage. This will allow for a smoother and safer drive for motorists.

Other benefits of the project include installation of new guardrail that will be 31 inches high, designed to meet new safety standard requirements. The higher railing will help veering vehicles remain on the road more effectively, making the highway safer for the traveling public. The former standard height of guardrail was 27 inches.

Traffic Impacts

Motorists should plan for one-lane alternating traffic, 20 minute delays and a reduced speed limit Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Travelers should be aware of another road construction project taking place on US 550 just north of this project, south of Montrose. Motorists may experience additional delays in this work zone and should allow themselves extra time when driving between Montrose and Ouray.

CDOT Project Map of US 550 Ouray to Colona Resurfacing Project zones located between Mile Points 93.8 and 115.6.

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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