Roadway Widening Project set to begin on Feb. 24

Travel Advisory

Feb. 10, 2025 - Southeastern Colorado - The project will occur between Rocky Ford and Ordway along CO 71

Otero and Crowley Counties — The Colorado Department of Transportation, with its contract partner Pyramid Construction, Inc., will begin roadway widening work on Feb. 24 between Rocky Ford. Work will occur along Colorado Highway 71, north of County Road HH 5 and south of Bob Creek, Mile Point 18.75 to MP 20.75.

Work will primarily consist of installing a passing lane, sign & delineator installation, new fence installation and pavement markings. Work will be done in the northbound and southbound lanes for a two-mile stretch of CO 71. The project will provide a safe passing zone with new pavement markings throughout the work area. Widening these passing lanes will ensure proper slope and drainage from the center line.

Traffic Impacts

Beginning Feb. 24, motorists will encounter road work on CO 71 between Road HH 5 and Bob Creek. Traffic impacts will include:

  • Daytime work hours range from 30 minutes after sunrise (approximately 7 a.m.) to 30 minutes before sunset (approximately 4:30 p.m.) Monday through Friday and potentially some Saturday work
  • Vehicles will be reduced to a single-lane, alternating traffic intermittently in either direction throughout the duration of the project
  • Lane closures, guided by flaggers and traffic control devices, will have up to 15-minute delays
  • The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph through the work zone with flaggers and 50 mph without flaggers
  • The project is expected to last through the end of July
Map of Colorado Highway 71 between Rocky Ford and Ordway with project location surrounded by a red rectangle - mile point 18.75 to mile point 20.75.
Map of Colorado Highway 71 between Rocky Ford and Ordway with project location surrounded by a red rectangle - mile point 18.75 to mile point 20.75.

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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