CO 291 chip seal operations begin next week north of Salida

Travel Advisory

July 18, 2024 - Southwestern Colorado - Plan for an additional closure between Elm Drive and Illinois Avenue
Maintenance alert map of chip seal operations on CO 291, north of Salida
Colorado Department of Transportation maintenance alert map of chip seal operations on CO 291, north of Salida from July 22 to July 26 between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Motorists are reminded of additional highway improvement projects occurring next week near Salida.

Chaffee County - Beginning Monday, July 22, the Colorado Department of Transportation will perform a week-long chip seal operation on Colorado Highway 291, north of Salida. Work will take place on a seven-mile segment between Salida and the junction of US Highway 285 (Mile Points 2 through 9). Motorists will encounter full stops, 20 to 30 minute delays and will be guided by a pilot car through the work zone.

CDOT reminds motorists that following posted speeds is necessary to avoid vehicle damage in the chip seal work zone. Additionally, traffic entering the highway from driveways or intersections must wait for a flagger or pilot vehicle before proceeding.

Motorists are urged to plan ahead for next week’s travel as additional projects in the vicinity may add time to daily commutes.

  • CO 291 (Oak Street) Full Closure: July 22 through August 19, Oak Street will be fully closed between Elm Drive and Illinois Avenue, with local traffic only north of the closure to Park Avenue. More details about the City of Salida’s multimodal improvement project can be found of the City of Salida Website
  • US 50 & US 285 Intersection Improvements: Plan more brief delays, lane shifts and shoulder work between Fairgrounds Drive and Kimberlin Lane in Poncha Springs. Intersection improvement work including traffic signal installation is anticipated to continue through Fall of 2024. More details can be found on the project webpage: http://codot.gov/projects/us50-us285-widening
  • US 50 Coaldale to Salida single-lane closures: Beginning July 22 motorists should plan for brief 15 minute delays and single lane alternating traffic guided by a temporary traffic signal between Mile Points 233 and 234 in Howard. CDOT and contract partner, ARY Corporation are completing a resurfacing project on US 50 through Fall of 2024. More details can be found on the project webpage: http://codot.gov/projects/us50coaldalesalida

All work is weather dependent. Motorists are encouraged to check the most current traffic impacts on COtrip.org.

Traffic Impacts (CO 291 Chip Seal)

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

Driving Through Chip Seal Projects

Travelers are urged to:

  • Slow down - Higher speeds can cause loose stones to scatter, and damage vehicle paint and windshields
  • Increase distance between vehicles - Space between you and other vehicles will help reduce damage caused by loose stones
  • Follow work zone signage - Use caution and consider worker safety when traveling through a 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!

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