Permanent repairs coming for culverts on CO 17 north of Colorado-New Mexico state line

Travel Advisory

August 7, 2024 - Southwestern Colorado - Plan for 10-foot width restrictions and single-lane traffic through November

Conejos and Archuleta Counties - The Colorado Department of Transportation in cooperation with prime contractor, Robins Construction, will improve three culverts on Colorado Highway 17. The permanent repairs are needed after a sinkhole was discovered last spring on the south side of Cumbres Pass three-tenths of a mile from the Colorado-New Mexico state line. The project is slated to begin Monday, Aug. 12.

“Temporary repairs were made last year with a plan to permanently reinforce the culverts this season,” explained CDOT Transportation Director Julie Constan. “CDOT’s maintenance division repaired the sinkhole that was approximately 12 feet wide and 15 feet deep. Over the winter and spring, CDOT design and engineering teams have developed a plan to address this location and two additional locations of the highway that will see permanent modifications to prevent further erosion damage.”

The work to be performed on Cumbres Pass includes:

  • Mile Point 3.0 – In addition to the construction of concrete headwalls, the existing culvert will be lined. The pipe liners will help manage high creek flows and allow fish and other organisms to better transit the culvert structure.
  • MP 2.7 – There are three culvert pipes at this location. All pipes will be increased in size to assist with flow. One of the existing steel pipes will be upgraded to a reinforced concrete material.
  • MP 0.3 – A deep trench will be dug with the pipe size significantly increasing to assist with flow.
Map of the construction area on CO Highway 17: The map consists of three work areas within three miles just north of the Colorado-New Mexico State line on Cumbres Pass
Map of the construction area on CO 17: The map consists of three work areas within three miles just north of the CO-NM State line on Cumbres Pass. South of the construction zone is Chama, NM. Northeast of the construction zone is Antonito, CO.

Traffic Impacts

Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, Aug. 12 and continue through mid-November. Working hours will be from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Schedules are subject to change based on weather and available resources.

  • Plan for single-lane alternating traffic and brief delays
  • Motorists will encounter full stops guided by a temporary traffic signal
  • A 10-foot width restriction is in place

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, anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions before hitting the road. CDOT and other 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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