US 84 chip seal operations begin next week, southeast of Pagosa Springs

Travel Advisory

April 24, 2025 - Southwestern Colorado - Plan for brief delays and slower speeds

Archuleta County — Beginning Monday, April 28, the Colorado Department of Transportation will perform surface treatment on a five-mile segment of US Highway 84 (Mile Points 11 to 16), approximately 12 miles southeast of Pagosa Springs. Motorists traveling between Chromo and the junction of US 160 should plan for additional travel time through Friday afternoon. Motorists will encounter full stops, up to 15-minute delays, and will be guided by a pilot vehicle during the week-long chip seal operations. Motorists entering the work zone from driveways or access roads must wait for a pilot vehicle to proceed and then join the traffic flow.

CDOT reminds motorists that following posted speeds is necessary to avoid vehicle damage in the chip seal work zone.

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 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Traffic impacts include:

  • Motorists should plan for 10 to 15-minute delays and should allow for extra travel time
  • Expect one-lane alternating traffic guided by a pilot vehicle
  • Motorists entering the highway from a driveway or intersection must wait for a pilot car before proceeding with the flow of traffic
  • A speed reduction of 40 MPH will be enforced through the work zone

Plan for additional delays of up to 15-minutes at US 160 Pagosa Springs Reconstruction Project work zone located in downtown Pagosa Springs.

Colorado Department of Transportation Maintenance Alert map of chip seal operations on US 84 between Pagosa Springs and Chromo from April 28 to May 2
Colorado Department of Transportation Maintenance Alert map of chip seal operations on US 84 between Pagosa Springs and Chromo. From April 28 to May 2, motorists can expect delays and slower speeds between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Work is weather dependent.

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 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!