US 550 northbound motorists can expect delays Jan. 24 at 9 a.m., north of CR 302
Travel Advisory
La Plata County — On Friday, Jan. 24, the Colorado Department of Transportation and contracting partner Lawrence Construction will stop northbound traffic on US Highway 550, approximately two miles north of County Road 302 (Mile Points 14 to 15). CDOT urges motorists to plan for up to 30 minute delays between 9 and 11 a.m. The full northbound closure is necessary to allow for motorist safety while crews work above the highway to install catwalk infrastructure to the overhead Variable Message Sign (VMS). Motorists will also encounter a lane shift at the work location for much of the day.
The new electronic VMS board, weather stations and traffic cameras will be fully operational later this year.
Additionally, week-long striping operations will begin Monday, Jan. 27 spanning the US 550 - US 160 Connection South project work zone. While delays will be minimal, motorists are urged to use caution and slower speeds when traveling through striping work zones as there will be wet paint. Crews will be restriping multiple segments of US 160 and US 550 from Home Depot through the Grandview Interchange, continuing south to CR 302.
Traffic Impacts
On Friday, Jan. 24 at 9 a.m., crews will install VMS board infrastructure, traffic impacts include:
- Full closure for northbound traffic on US 550 at Mile Point 14
- Expect up to 30 minute delays between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
- Motorists will encounter a lane shift at the work location for much of the day
- Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and seek alternative routes
Monday, Jan. 27 through Friday, Jan. 31 striping operations will impact traffic:
- Slower speeds and brief delays during mobile striping operations
- Motorists are urged to slow down and avoid wet paint
- Striping operations are weather-dependent
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:
- Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
- Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
- Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
- Check scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
- Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
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 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!
