Three-day chip seal operations scheduled to begin July 30 on US 285

Travel Advisory

July 26, 2024 - Southwestern Colorado - Plan for brief delays and slower speeds between Saguache and Villa Grove

Saguache Counties - Beginning Tuesday, July 30, the Colorado Department of Transportation will perform surface treatment on a seven mile segment of US Highway 285 (Mile Points 94 to 101). Motorists traveling between Saguache and the junction of Colorado Highway 17 should plan for additional travel time through Thursday evening. Motorists will encounter full stops, up 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.

All work is weather dependent. 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., Tuesday through Thursday.

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

Map of chip seal operations on US 285 between Saguache and Villa Grove, July 30 to August 1. Plan for delays and slower speeds. — Colorado Department of Transportation Maintenance Alert map of chip seal operations on US 285 between Saguache and Villa Grove.
July 30 through August 1, motorists can expect delays and slower speeds.

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:

Road conditions and travel information website: COtrip.org
Chain and traction law information: codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw
Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
See scheduled lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
Weather forecasts: www.weather.gov
Check avalanche conditions at CAIC: www.avalanche.state.co.us

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!