Cascade Curve on US 550 is receiving a permanent guardrail beginning September 3
Travel Advisory
![Bo Dean's Towing recovered the wreckage of a semi truck that had crashed Bo Dean's Towing recovered the wreckage of a semi truck that had crashed](https://www.codot.gov/projects/us550cascadecurve/assets/us550_cascade_curve_towing_truck_recovered_wreckage.jpg/@@images/1a86bfc7-2189-49eb-94e0-513e0a3f7ae3.jpeg)
La Plata County - The Colorado Department of Transportation with prime contractor Myers and Sons, will begin a project in early September on US Highway 550, slated to improve safety at the Cascade Curve, two miles north of Purgatory ski area and 26 miles north of Durango. The work will replace the existing guardrail with a larger permanent concrete barrier that is anchored to the highway. The barrier will also wrap around onto US Forest Service Road 783, which provides access for residents and trail users of Cascade Creek. Improving drainage in the area is an additional benefit of the project.
US 550 between Durango and Ouray attracts visitors who are not always familiar with mountain driving.
“The improvements will create safer travel for first-time visitors or our local residents who frequent this highway,” said CDOT Regional Transportation Director Julie Constan. “The Cascade Curve has a steep downhill grade when traveling southbound. Due to ongoing crashes, especially with commercial semi trucks, extra safety measures are needed.”
Permanent concrete guardrails can operate to deflect a vehicle back onto the roadway, slow the vehicle down to a complete stop, or slow the vehicle down and then allow the driver to proceed past the guardrail.
Traffic Impacts
Working hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday with potential weekend work. Traffic impacts from September through early November (project completion) will include:
- Reduced speeds and full stops guided by a portable traffic signal
- One-lane alternating traffic and brief delays
- The light signal will control traffic 24-7
![US 550 over Cascade Creek Project Location Map US 550 over Cascade Creek Project Location Map](https://www.codot.gov/projects/us550cascadecurve/assets/us-550-cascade-curve-project-location-map.png/@@images/ee6a1529-433f-49bd-b88c-d02cf78a4cab.png)
Project Information
For additional information about this project:
- Call the project information line at 970-880-0206
- Email the project team at: [email protected]
- Visit the project website at: codot.gov/projects/us550cascadecurve
Know Before You Go
Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts, anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions before hitting the road. CDOT and other resources include:
- Road conditions and travel information website: COtrip.org
- Chain and traction law information: codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw
- Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
- See scheduled lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
- Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
- Weather forecasts: www.weather.gov
- Check avalanche conditions at CAIC: www.avalanche.state.co.us
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!