Construction of several Southwest Colorado chain stations to begin April 15

Project Update

April 11, 2024 - Southwestern Colorado - CDOT builds safe pullouts for CMVs to chain up before traversing mountain passes

Southwest Colorado — The Colorado Department of Transportation, with its contract partner, Williams Construction, will begin work on the region-wide chain station improvements project to help ensure that commercial drivers have a safe location to chain up or down while traveling in the high country.

Work will begin in mid-April along several mountain passes in Archuleta, Chaffee, Conejos, Costilla, San Miguel, and Mineral counties. The traveling public can expect daytime shoulder closures. The project is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2024.

Project work consists of chain station improvements on:

  • CO 145: Lizard Head Pass (Mile Points 67 to 69) near Mountain Village entrance
  • CO 145: Lawson Hill near Telluride (MP 70 to 72)
  • US 160: Wolf Creek Pass (MP 172 to 174)
  • US 160: La Veta Pass (MP 275 to 277)
  • US 50: Monarch Pass (MP 208 to 210)
  • CO 17: Cumbres Pass (MP 0 to 1)

“During adverse winter driving conditions, commercial drivers will now have a safe retreat to put chains on their tires,” said Regional Transportation Director Julie Constan. “Additionally, these critical safety features along our mountain passes will encourage drivers to use chains and be in compliance with Colorado's chain law.”

In addition to chain stations, two new permanent electronic message signs (VMS boards) will be installed in the town of Saguache near the junction of US 285 and CO 114.

Traffic Impacts

Motorists and area residents can expect the following impacts during construction:

  • Work will occur during daytime hours, Monday through Friday
  • Single lane closures and shoulder closures will take place within the work zone
  • Reduced speeds in the work zone
  • Plan ahead and expect brief delays
  • Construction schedules are weather dependent

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!