Resurfacing and widening project on CO 61 in Logan County begins May 6

Project Update

April 22, 2024 - Northeastern Colorado - Videos highlight different aspects of the designs

Logan County — The Colorado Department of Transportation and Simon Contractors will begin a nine-mile resurfacing and widening project on Colorado Highway 61, just east of Sterling. Work is set to begin May 6, weather pending. The anticipated completion of the project is in November.

The construction work will begin on CO 61, east of Sterling at Mile Point 32. The project will conclude at MP 41, east of County Road 59. The existing asphalt will be milled and filled with two inches of new hot mix asphalt. A smoother surface offers safer driving for motorists. Busy highways must bear heavy truck traffic as well as passenger vehicles. Approximately every 10 to 15 years, asphalt roads may need to have their top layers milled and resurfaced.

While working on the project, the shoulders will be widened from east of CR 53 to the project limits of CR 59. Shoulder widening provides enhanced safety and mobility for motorists traveling on narrow two-lane highways.

"Improving rural roadways is a key priority for CDOT. A smooth road and highway have many important benefits, including improved safety and quality of driving experience for motorists. Widening shoulders is an essential part of making these roads safer for motorists. By expanding the shoulder, we can provide more space for vehicles to pull over or for wide agricultural vehicles to travel in their lane, decreasing the likelihood of head-on accidents and allowing emergency responders to reach drivers in need more quickly,” said Northeast Regional Transportation Director Heather Paddock.

Additional safety improvements include lane markings which will be painted for better lane recognition. Rumble strips will be added to the shoulder, which is an effective strategy to decrease the occurrence of crashes due to vehicles departing from the roadway.

CO 61 Resurfacing project map
CO 61 project East of Sterling project map

Travel Impacts

  • During construction, motorists can expect alternating lane closures with flaggers in place to guide traffic.
  • Daytime work hours are from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
  • The speed limit will be reduced to 40 MPH through the construction zone.
  • There will be a wide load restriction of 12’ during working hours.

Project Information

For additional information about this project, contact the project team.

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!