US 160 chip seal operations begin next week on La Veta Pass

Travel Advisory

July 3, 2024 - Southwestern Colorado - Motorists should plan for lengthy delays and slower speeds through July 18
Colorado Department of Transportation Highway Maintenance Alert Map of chip seal operations on US 160 La Veta Pass, east of Fort Garland, July 8 through 18, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Colorado Department of Transportation Highway Maintenance Alert Map of chip seal operations on US 160 La Veta Pass, east of Fort Garland, July 8 through 18, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Costilla County - On July 8, the Colorado Department of Transportation will begin two week-long surface treatment operations on a six-mile segment of US Highway 160 between Fort Garland and La Veta Pass summit (Mile Points 270 to 276). Motorists will encounter full stops, 20 to 30 minute delays and will be guided by a pilot car through the work zone. Traffic entering the highway from driveways or intersections must wait for a flagger or pilot vehicle before proceeding.

CDOT crews will work as swiftly as possible to complete the surface treatment; however resurfacing operations are weather dependent.

Traffic Impacts

From July 8 to 18, daytime work hours range from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday 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

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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