Southwestern Colorado Chain Up Station Lighting

About the Project

Colorado Department of Transportation will begin work on the installation of new lighting at seven chain up stations located throughout Region 5. One location will include a solar collection system to provide sustainable power for the lights. This project was contracted to Morton Electric for $917,000.

This project is part of CDOT’s “Whole System. Whole Safety.” initiative aimed at enhancing safety for Colorado’s traveling public. Adding lights at these chain stations will improve visibility for truck drivers and the traveling public when the chain law is in effect.

CHAIN UP LOCATIONS
• US 50 Monarch Pass, Mile Point (MP) 203.7 – MP 205.7, Chaffee County
• US 285 Poncha Pass (Lower), MP 124.4 – MP 126.4, Chaffee County
• US 285 Poncha Pass (Upper), MP 118.1 – MP 120.1, Saguache County
• US 160 La Veta Pass, MP 261.0 – MP 263.0, Costilla County
• CO 17 La Manga Pass, MP 16.0 – MP 18.0, Conejos County
• US 550 Red Mountain Pass, MP 70.6 – MP 72.6, San Juan County
• CO 145 Lizard Head Pass, MP 54.0 – MP 56.0, Dolores County

Project Facts

  • Cost: $917,000
  • Contractor: Morton Electric
  • Timeline: April - late August, 2020
  • Location: Various highways in Chaffee, Conejos, Costilla, Dolores, Saguache, and San Juan Counties

Proposed Work Schedule

  • Work is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, April 15. Work is expected to be completed by the end of August 2020.
  • Work will begin with surveying each site. Once surveys are complete, crews will begin trenching for conduit installation, preparing the site for foundation work, then installation of light poles. Work will occur one site at a time.  
  • Normal work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Traffic Impacts

  • All motorized vehicles should expect minimal travel impacts throughout the construction project.
  • Motorists should be aware of shoulder closures and crews working in the area.
  • Motorists are urged to obey speed reductions and watch for construction personnel and equipment in the work zone.
  • Detailed information will be disseminated on a weekly basis and updated when more significant impacts are expected.