Resurfacing and culvert improvement project to begin on CO 151 east of Ignacio

Travel Advisory

Feb. 12, 2025 - Southwestern Colorado - Motorists should plan for 15-minute delays

Archuleta and La Plata Counties — The Colorado Department of Transportation and contracting partner Elam Construction will begin resurfacing and culvert improvements on Feb. 17 along CO Highway 151 east of Ignacio from the La Plata/Archuleta county line to south of the “old coal mine.” Motorists should plan for 15-minute delays during construction hours. The project is expected to be completed at the beginning of September 2025.

The project will improve approximately 13 miles of CO 151 from Mile Point 12.8, east of Ignacio at the La Plata/Archuleta county line, to MP 26, south of the old coal mine. Work will include milling old asphalt, paving with new asphalt, shouldering, rumble strip installation, guardrail replacement and road sign replacement. Additional work will consist of six culvert improvements including repairing one culvert, cleaning out two culverts and replacing three culverts throughout the project limits.

Project Benefits

The new asphalt will add approximately 10 years of life to the highway, provide a smoother road surface and increase durability by increasing the resistance of ruts and road damage. The installation of new guardrail that will be 31 inches high, designed to meet new safety standard requirements. The higher railing will help veering vehicles remain on the road more effectively, making the highway safer for the traveling public. The former standard height of guardrail was 27 inches. Improvements and replacement of culverts will accommodate higher accumulations of rainfall and lower the risks associated with flooding to maintain safe driving conditions.

Traffic Improvements

Daytime work hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Traffic impacts will include:

  • Motorists should plan for 15-minute delays
  • Motorists must obey a speed reduction of 40 mph
  • Expect one-lane alternating traffic guided by flagging personnel
  • Travelers will encounter 24/7 one-lane alternating traffic guided by a temporary portable traffic signal with a speed reduction of 25 mph at culvert locations
Map of CO 151 work zone area east of Ignacio, from mile point 12.8 to mile point 26
Map of CO 151 work zone area east of Ignacio, from mile point 12.8 to mile point 26

Project Contact Information

For additional information about this project, contact the project team.

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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