CDOT completes surface treatments on two state highways in northwest Colorado

Moffat County and Routt County — The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and contracting partner, Elam Construction of Grand Junction recently completed surface treatment projects on two Colorado Highways - CO 13, north of Meeker and CO 317, east of Hamilton. Construction began in April and the two projects cost approximately $13.5 million.

The work on CO 13 took place for 15 miles from Mile Point 64 to 79 and consisted of an asphalt surface treatment, bridge maintenance work and culvert repairs at four locations. Work on CO 317 took place over a 12-mile stretch from MP 0 to 12. Improvements for both highways consisted of guardrail replacement, shouldering and new striping.

“This project is one of several projects over the last few years to improve CO 13, which is an important connector for the western slope,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshanna Lew. “This project is a great example of the impacts of elevating rural resurfacing as a priority in CDOT’s 10-year plan, and we look forward to the ongoing results of this highly successful program.

Other benefits of the project included installation of new guardrail that will be 31 inches high, designed to meet new safety standard requirements. The higher railing will help veering vehicles remain on the road more effectively, making the highway safer for the traveling public. The former standard height of the guardrail was 27 inches.

“The project work will enhance safety for motorists on these rural highways,” said CDOT Regional Transportation Director Jason Smith. “The surface treatment will add approximately 10 years of life to the highway, provide a smoother road surface and will add durability by preventing ruts and road damage. The new surface will provide skid resistance and reduce overall cracking.”

The funding from this project is part of CDOT’s 10-Year Plan, declared by Director Lew in 2019, will see over its lifespan more than $890 million spent on rural roads. The project list focuses on safety, resilience, fixing our existing system, and investing in multimodal options; these are choices beyond single-occupant vehicles and the expansion of new mobility hubs where commuters can take advantage of transit options. To learn more about the 10-year plan, visit www.codot.gov/programs.

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:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
• Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
• See scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

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 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!