Work resumes on Highway 13 widening project in western Garfield County

Project Update

March 20, 2023 - Northwestern Colorado - Crews return in April after winter shutdown

Garfield County — Construction crews will soon be back from a winter shutdown to resume work on Colorado Highway 13. The Garco Rio Blanco Hill project is located 11 miles northwest of Rifle and will create safety improvements for the busy stretch of highway. The start date for work in April is weather-dependent. The project is part of CDOT’s statewide 10-year plan to improve highways across Colorado.

Safety improvements on the project are designed to give motorists wider roads to travel on during inclement weather, accommodate higher traffic volumes, and to help prevent roadside erosion. The resurfacing and widening will create smoother pavement and improved driving conditions, and adding chain up areas will significantly improve safety for travelers when weather conditions suddenly change. Two wildlife underpasses will help reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions.

During the 2022 construction season, crews completed the installation of box culverts and 72” jacked steel pipes. Other items completed were asphalt patching and the relocation of the CDOT Intelligent Transport System (ITS).

The 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 I-70 closures.

Project Schedule

Beginning early April, crews will begin work to complete the headwall structure at 72-inch jacked pipe, storm drainage crossings, game ramps, wildlife fencing/animal crossings, concrete lined ditch, geosynthetic reinforced soil (GRS) wall, barrier walls, cattle/deer guards, aggregate base course, asphalt paving, roadway mitigation, storm drainage completion, permanent signage, permanent striping, and new guardrails. The anticipated completion date is fall 2023.

Traffic Impacts

  • Daytime work from 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays
  • Weekend and night work may occur if necessary
  • Two or more shoofly detours will be in place
  • Vehicles will be reduced to a single lane with alternating lane closures guided by a temporary traffic signal
  • 12-foot-wide load restriction 24 hours a day, seven days a week
CO 13 Rio Blanco Hill Widening project location map.

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!

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!