Culvert repair project underway April 1

Project Update

April 4, 2024 - Southwestern Colorado - Project will occur at five different locations in two counties

Chaffee and Costilla Counties — The Colorado Department of Transportation began culvert repair work this week along four roadways in two south-central Colorado counties: US Highway 160 in Costilla County and US 24, US 285, and US 50 in Chaffee County. American West Construction, is the contractor for this project.

Project work will be implemented in phases between April and August. The first culvert repair project will happen on US 160 at Mile Point 265, about seven miles east of Ft. Garland. Crews will then move operations to US 285 at MP 130, three miles north of Poncha Springs. The third phase of the project will happen on US 50 at MP 223, one mile east of Salida. The project team will then move operations to US 285 at MP 136, nine miles north of Poncha Springs. The final phase of the culvert repair project will be on US 24 at MP 202, eight miles north of Buena Vista.

Culverts are required features of roadway infrastructure to pass water under a road at drainage areas or stream crossings. The project will make necessary enhancements to accommodate higher accumulations of rainfall and lower the risks associated with flooding to maintain safe driving conditions. Work will primarily consist of re-grading the culvert inlet to align drainage with the invert of the pipe, removing the existing inlet headwalls, and replacing the culverts with new headwalls, wings, and concrete lining the pipe.

Traffic Impacts

Beginning April 1, motorists will encounter the first culvert repair work zone located on US 160 east of Ft. Garland (MP 265). Traffic impacts will include:
Daytime work hours range from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday

  • Vehicles may occasionally be reduced to a single-lane, alternating traffic intermittently in either direction, throughout the duration of the project
  • Any periodic lane closures would be guided by flaggers and could have up to 10-15-minute delays
  • The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph through the work zone
  • The project is expected to last until the end of August

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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