US 550 chip seal operations begin next week south of Durango

Travel Advisory

April 30, 2024 - Southwestern Colorado - Motorists should plan for lengthy delays after 9 a.m.

La Plata County - On May 6, the Colorado Department of Transportation will begin week-long surface treatment operations on a 6-mile segment of US Highway 550 between County Road 302 and Bondad Hill (Mile Points 6 through 12). Motorists will encounter full stops, up to 30-minute delays and will be guided by a pilot vehicle through the work zone. Traffic entering the highway from driveways or intersections must wait for a pilot vehicle before proceeding.

CDOT crews will work as swiftly as possible to complete the surface treatment however resurfacing operations are weather dependent.

Traffic Impacts

Daytime work hours range from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

  • Motorists should plan for 15 to 30 minute delays and should allow for extra travel time
  • Expect one-lane alternating traffic guided by flagging personnel and pilot cars
  • Motorists entering the highway from a driveway or intersection must wait for a pilot car
  • A speed reduction of 40 mph will be enforced through the work zone

Travelers driving through surface treatment projects are urged to:

  • Slow down ― Higher speeds can cause loose stones to scatter and damage vehicle paint and windshields
  • Increase distance between vehicles ― Space between you and other vehicles will help reduce damage caused by loose stones
  • Follow work zone signage, signals and flagging personnel ― Consider the safety of other motorists and the safety of the work crew when traveling through the project construction zone
  • Use caution ― Bicyclists and motorcyclists should use extreme caution during construction operations
Colorado Department of Transportation Maintenance Alert Map of Chip Seal Operations on US Highway 550, south of Durango, May 6 through 9 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Colorado Department of Transportation Maintenance Alert map of chip seal operations on US 550, south of Durango, May 6 through 9 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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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