Night work on US 160, one-day detour on US 550

Travel Advisory

September 20, 2024 - Southwestern Colorado - Motorists can expect two weeks of nighttime single-lane closures on US 160 at the base of former Farmington Hill, one day with a northbound detour on US 550
A new electronic variable message sign will be installed over US 550 northbound traffic just south of the Grandview Interchange
A new electronic variable message sign will be installed over US 550 northbound traffic just south of the Grandview Interchange and will provide important notifications for travelers connecting with US 160 or continuing north along the US 550 mountain corridor.

La Plata County — The Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor Lawrence Construction will be installing multiple inlets and a pipe for drainage under US Highway 160 at the former Farmington Hill intersection where the signals have been recently removed. Rework of the concrete median will occur shortly afterward.

To reduce impacts to travelers, crews will be conducting this work at night. The work involves asphalt removal to install the inlets and pipe and either completing or protecting the work area at the end of each night’s shift.

At a separate daytime work site on US Highway 550, on Thursday, Sept. 26, crews will be installing a new electronic variable message sign (VMS) over northbound US 550 just south of County Road 220. Installation of the sign, which will enhance real-time traveler communications, must be completed without live traffic underneath. Northbound through traffic will be detoured onto County Road 302 to Colorado Highway 172, about 4.5 miles south of the US 160/US 550 Interchange. Residents who live along the east side of US 550 north of CR 302 will be allowed through, with proper identification to show flagging personnel.

Night Work - US 160 Inlet Installation, East- and Westbound Traffic Impacts

From Monday, Sept. 23, through Monday, Oct. 7, motorists will encounter a single-lane closure in both directions on US 160 between Home Depot and Three Springs (Mile Point 88):

  • The single-lane closures will be in place Monday through Saturday nights, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., through Oct. 7
  • The speed limit on US 160 will be reduced to 40 mph during this work; motorists are urged to obey this lowered speed limit for the safety of workers, and to safely accommodate travel over the steel plates that may be in place
  • Delays will be minimal

Day Work - US 550 VMS Installation, Northbound Traffic Impacts

On Thursday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., work will be underway to install the new variable message sign on US 550 northbound at MP 14.5, about 1.5 miles south of the new interchange

  • All through northbound traffic on US 550 traveling towards the new interchange will be detoured east onto CR 302 (near US 550 MP 12)
  • From CR 302, motorists may continue to CO 172 and head north to connect with either US 160 or CR 220
  • Motorists are urged to drive courteously along these county road detours, obeying the posted speed limits and driving without distractions
  • Those living along the east side of US 550 between CR 302 and CR 220 will need to show flagging personnel identification to proceed to their homes
Map of the US 550 northbound closure. Northbound motorists will be detoured onto CR 302, CR 220 and CO 172.
Colorado Department of Transportation Map of the US 550 northbound closure on September 26 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to allow for VMS board installation. Northbound motorists will be detoured onto CR 302, CR 220 and CO 172.

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!

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