Crews perform surface treatment on US 285 and CO 291 is Chaffee County next week

Travel Advisory

August 22, 2024 - Southwestern Colorado - Motorists should plan for up to 30 minute delays through each work zone August 27 to 30
Crews performing chip seal operations
CDOT Photo | On July 24, maintenance crews completed chip seal operations on US 285 over Poncha Pass. Next Tuesday, August 27, crews will go back over the highway segment (Mile Point 112 to 120) with a protective coat of oil and permanent striping. Operations will move to CO 291, northwest of Salida later in the week.

Chaffee County - Beginning Tuesday, August 27, the Colorado Department of Transportation will perform surface treatment operations on US Highway 285 and Colorado Highway 291 in Chaffee County. Work will include spraying a protective coat of oil sealant and painting permanent highway stripes. Tuesday’s operations begin approximately seven miles north of Villa Grove on US 285 Poncha Pass. On Wednesday and Thursday, operations will move to a seven-mile segment of CO 291 between Salida and the junction of US 285. Motorists will encounter full stops, 20 to 30 minute delays and will be guided by a pilot car through the work zone.

Crews completed chip seal applications on US 285 (Mile Point 112 to 120) and CO 291 (Mile Point 2 to 9) in late July. Next week's fog coat application will provide an added layer of protection to the highway segments and help preserve the lifespan of the previous surface treatment.

Crews will work swiftly to complete operations however all work is weather dependent and could be delayed or extended. Motorists are encouraged to check the most current traffic impacts on COtrip.org.

Traffic Impacts

Daytime work hours range from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

  • Motorists should plan for 20 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

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!

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!