Officials break ground on new intersection project in Poncha Springs

Chaffee County — On Friday, April 12, Poncha Springs government officials joined The Colorado Department of Transportation and its prime contractor, United Companies to break ground on the new US Highways 50 and 285 intersection improvements project near Poncha Springs.

“The junction of US 50 and US 285 is an important intersection, known locally as the crossroads of the Rockies. The improvements will enhance connectivity and safety for our Arkansas Valley communities and regions in every direction," said Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “This is such an exciting example of delivering two of the rural road projects in CDOT’s 10-Year Plan.”

Local Poncha Springs Town Administrator Lance Hostetter added, “We are at the heart of the Arkansas Valley which connects all parts of the State of Colorado, which becomes one of the busiest areas during the summertime and connects all of our great public lands together. This is an important project and we are excited to continue our partnership (with CDOT).”

Work begins this week to realign and reconstruct the existing three-way configuration into a four-way signalized intersection to improve safety and traffic flow. Crews will start with reconstructing the intersection, and then as an additional benefit of the project, will pave approximately seven miles of US 50 from the intersection to just west of Maysville, Mile Point 210-217.

The project will create a safer intersection by correcting the sharp curve radius that currently exists and will align US 285 with Kimberlin Lane. Additionally, the right turn lane from westbound US 50 to northbound 285 will be lengthened. Paving approximately seven miles of roadway on US 50 will be the last task for the project team along with replacing signage and delineators. Work is expected to be completed the first week of October

“In addition to this project, CDOT is focusing efforts this summer on several other highway improvements in and around Chaffee County. Over the past few years, we have seen traffic volumes grow significantly as people are inspired to explore new places and folks venture to communities outside of our urban areas.” mentioned Regional Transportation Director Julie Constan. “Being able to make permanent and safe improvements along these busy rural corridors will help this region grow in a manner that accommodates more traffic than it was originally built for.”

Additional projects (with website links) that are taking place this summer in South-Central Colorado include:

• US 50 Monarch Pass Chain Stations
• US 50 Coaldale to Salida Resurfacing
• US 24, US 50 and US 285 South-Central Culvert Repairs
• US 24 Buena Vista Signal Improvements at Baylor Drive and DePaul Avenue (website not yet created)

Schedule & Traffic Impacts

• Typical working hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday
• Some night work may occur to minimize traffic impacts and keep the traveling public safe when signal mast arms are being installed
• Motorists can also expect one-lane and turn-lane closures in the construction zone
• Schedules are subject to change based on weather and available resources
• For real-time updates on this project and others across the state, please visit COtrip.org.

Project Information

For additional information about this project:

• Call the project information line at 970-844-4568
• Email the project team at: [email protected]
• Visit the project website at: codot.gov/projects/us50-us285-widening

Media kit

A media kit with videos, soundbites and photos from the groundbreaking event are available by contacting [email protected].

Soundbite Text and Quotes:

• Shoshana Lew, CDOT Executive Director: “We are so excited to be able to pair two projects together as well. It is really a way to get more for our money as we deliver rural road projects. It is especially exciting to have our contracting partner (United Companies) hear as well. With that it is one of the first projects we’re kicking off this season, so it is great to be with all of you in the area to make that happen!”
• Julie Constan, CDOT Region 5 Transportation Director: “This project will turn it into a four-way, so we are lining up with one of the city streets or Poncha Town streets, put in some concrete and just make it a much safer and better put together intersection.”
• Lance Hostetter, Poncha Springs Town Administrator: “We are at the heart of the Arkansas Valley which connects all parts of the State of Colorado, which becomes one of the busiest areas during the summertime and connects all of our great public lands together. This is an important project and we are excited to continue our partnership (with CDOT).”

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:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
• Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
• See scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

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!