Passing lane project on US Highway 50 in Gunnison County to begin March 20

Project Update

March 10, 2023 - Northwestern Colorado - Project work and traffic impacts will take place west of Gunnison

Gunnison County —The Colorado Department of Transportation will soon begin passing lane construction along US Highway 50. The US 50 Passing Lane project will take place from Mile Points 134.6 to 136, located 25 miles west of Gunnison and near Blue Mesa reservoir. The passing lane construction is located on US 50 from MP 134.6 to 136. The project also includes removal and replacement of 39 guardrail end anchors east and west of passing lane construction. The guardrail work is to be completed from MP 128.31 to 139.07.

Work will begin March 20, weather permitting, for clearing and grub work. The project will pause and resume as weather permits. Project completion is anticipated in early October 2023. There will be an 11’ lane width restriction for the duration of the project. The project is part of CDOT’s 10-Year Plan.

The US 50 Passing Lanes project is located east of the ongoing US 50 Little Blue Creek Canyon project. The US 50 Passing Lane project team will work to minimize traffic impacts during closures or other major traffic impacts from the Little Blue Creek Canyon project. More info about the US 50 Little Blue Creek Canyon project can be found at us50info.com.

The passing lane project team will stay in close contact with CDOT maintenance crews in the event of Interstate 70 closures in Glenwood Canyon. This coordination will help the project team prepare for detour traffic during extended I-70 closures.

US 50 passing lane project map at located 25 miles west of Gunnison
US 50 passing lane project map at located 25 miles west of Gunnison.

Traffic Impacts

Between March 20 – May 31, daytime work will occur Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until a half hour before sunset. After May 31 daytime work will occur Monday through Friday ½ hour after sunrise (approx. 7 a.m.) and end a half hour before sunset (approx. 7 p.m.). Saturday and Sunday work may occur if necessary.

Motorists should plan for reduced speeds of 40 mph and intermittent single-lane, alternating traffic through the work zone throughout the duration of the project. Both directions of traffic will be affected. Traffic impacts will be minimal until August when the asphalt paving work is set to begin. Delays of up to 15 minutes are anticipated, motorists are to follow directions from flaggers on site. The project team will stay in close contact with CDOT maintenance crews in the event of US 50 closures in the Curecanti National Recreation Area. This coordination will help the project team prepare for detour traffic during US 50 closures.

About the Project

The US 50 Gunnison County Passing Lane Project will reconstruct and improve safety on US 50. Safety improvements will include the construction of a passing lane along with the removal and replacement of 39 guardrail end anchors. These improvements are designed to give motorists wider roads to travel on during inclement weather, higher traffic volumes, and to prevent road erosion. The resurfacing and widening will create smoother pavement and improved driving conditions, adding chain-up areas will significantly improve safety for travelers when weather conditions suddenly change.

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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