Wall replacement on CO 145 near Ophir starting May 15

Travel Advisory

May 15, 2024 - Southwestern Colorado - Travelers will encounter one lane alternating traffic and wide load restrictions

San Miguel County - The Colorado Department of Transportation, and their contract partner Williams Construction will be proceeding with wall replacement on Colorado Highway 145 starting May 15. Work will be on CO 145 at Mile Point 63.4, just south of the big hairpin turn at the Ophir Pass Road access, approximately 2.5 miles north of Trout Lake and 8 miles south of the Society Turn roundabout, near Telluride. Weather permitting, construction is expected to be complete in October 2024.

“The retaining wall built underneath the roadway is an essential element of highway design,” said Regional Transportation Director Julie Constan. “The wall supports and holds up the roadway and is a feature used for slope stabilization. This type of structure is common along Colorado’s high mountain roads and periodically are in need of replacement.”

Construction will include replacing the existing retaining walls under the highway. Once the wall replacement work is complete, crews will perform asphalt patching and place new guardrail.

This project will benefit the public by improving the integrity of the highway, making it safer for traffic to travel over.

Traffic Impacts

Starting May 15, work hours will range from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday and traffic impacts will include:

  • The southbound lane will be closed 24/7 with single lane alternating traffic guided by flaggers during work hours and a traffic signal set up at night and on weekends.
  • Motorists can expect brief delays and are urged to slow down as they approach the work zone, drive with caution, allow extra space between vehicles and give themselves extra travel time
  • Traffic fines will be doubled in the work zone
  • No wide loads over 11', 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through October 2024
  • Periodic weekend work is anticipated

Hiking Trail Impacts

Galloping Goose Trail impacts will include:

  • During construction, a flagger will help to direct hikers safely through the work zone
CDOT Project Map of the Ophir Wall Replacement work zone located at Mile Point 63.4 on CO 145 just south of Ophir Pass Road (Forest Service Road 630).
Colorado Department of Transportation Project Map of the CO 145 Ophir Wall replacement at Mile Point 63.4 between Telluride and Trout Lake, south of the Ophir Pass Rd ( Forest Service Road 630), taking place May through October 2024 with 11 foot width restrictions in effect 24/7.

Project Contact 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!