Improvements at US 50 and CO 115 in Penrose begin in March

Travel Advisory

February 26, 2024 - Southeastern Colorado - Work includes replacing the intersection with a roundabout for optimal safety and efficiency.

Fremont County — The Colorado Department of Transportation with its contract partner Pyramid Construction will begin a traffic and roadway improvement project at the intersection of US Highway 50 and Colorado Highway 115 in the town of Penrose. The goal of the project is to improve safety and traffic flow to the eastbound US 50 on and off ramps and to CO 115 by replacing the intersection with a roundabout.

Work includes building a temporary detour from the eastbound US 50 off ramp to CO 115, constructing a roundabout, adding a concrete island, and installing lighting and traffic signs. The roundabout will have a wide turning radius and a truck apron to accommodate trucks and large vehicles requiring a wide turning radius.

The project is located at the intersection of CO 115 and US 50 in Penrose. The work zone on CO 115 extends from Mile Point 12.86 to MP 14.01 and on eastbound US 50 from MP 285.3 to MP 285.8.

Project hours will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday with extended hours in the summer months and some overnight and weekend work possible. CDOT anticipates full completion by October.

Funding for the project was made possible through the state-funded FASTER (Funding Advancements for Surface Transportation and Economic Recovery) program which was established by the Colorado General assembly via Senate Bill 09-108 to fund the repair of Colorado’s structurally deficient bridges and make safety improvements to Colorado’s key corridors.

“This type of traffic and safety improvement project is critical for intersections such as this one that support a high daily volume of traffic,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “This is an excellent example of how state funding benefits the traveling public across all regions of the state.”

Traffic Impacts

Motorists and area residents can expect the following impacts during construction:

  • Single lane closures on eastbound US 50 and both directions of CO 115 within the work zone
  • Onsite detours and traffic shifts will be in place during various phases of work
  • Narrowed lanes and reduced speeds can be expected
  • All construction schedules are weather dependent and subject to change
US 50 and CO 115 improvements map
US 50 and CO 115 improvements map

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 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!

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!