Southwest Colorado— Beginning October 23, the Colorado Department of Transportation will be evaluating, inspecting and recording the condition of various bridge structures across the region. Lane shifts and lane closures will be in place to allow for bridge operations and increase worker safety. Motorists should plan for brief delays and one-lane alternating traffic, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m and 4 p.m., weather permitting.

Additionally, maintenance crews will be performing erosion control and clearing debris beside US 160, Mile Points 108 -118. Motorists should plan for brief delays and intermittent traffic holds between Bayfield and Pagosa Springs through late November. Shoulder work will take place between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Motorists are urged to be alert and drive with caution through the work zones. Visit COtrip.org to view the most current highway conditions and construction impacts.

Bridge Inspection Schedule:

Monday, Oct. 23:

• US 160, Mile Point 159 (Mineral County): Crews will perform inspections on a bridge structure between Pagosa Springs and Wolf Creek Pass, just east of Treasure Falls. Motorists can expect lane shifts for much of the afternoon

Tuesday, Oct. 24:

• US 550, Mile Point 3 (La Plata County): Crews will perform inspections on Bondad Bridge, approximately 3-miles north of the New Mexico stateline. Motorists can expect brief delays and one-lane alternating traffic beginning at 8 a.m.
• CO 151, Mile Point 18 (Archuleta County): Crews will perform inspections at the Piedra River Bridge approximately 2-miles north of Arboles. Motorists can expect brief delays and one-lane alternating traffic beginning at 11 a.m.
• US 160, Mile Point 102 (La Plata County): Crews will perform an inspection of the Los Pinos River Bridge in Bayfield. Motorists can expect brief delays and one-lane alternating traffic beginning at 2 p.m. 

Wednesday, Oct. 25:

• US 160 (Durango): Between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. crews will perform bridge inspections at multiple Animas River crossings along South Camino Del Rio. Motorists can expect speed reductions and lane shifts while traveling between Downtown Durango and Home Depot

Thursday, Oct. 26:

• US 160, Mile Point 1 (Montezuma County): Crews will perform bridge inspections at the San Juan River crossing just east of Four Corners Monument. Motorists can expect brief delays and one-lane alternating traffic beginning at 9 a.m.
• CO 145, Mile Point 9 (Montezuma County): Crews will perform bridge inspections over the Dolores River between McPhee Reservoir and Dolores. Motorists can expect lane shifts for much of the afternoon

Friday, Oct. 27:

• CO 149, Mile Point 18 (Mineral County): Crews will perform bridge inspections over the Rio Grande, south of Creede. Motorists can expect brief delays and one-lane alternating traffic beginning at 9:30 a.m. 

Traffic Impacts

Operations will take place Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Motorists should plan for 10-15 minute delays and should allow for extra travel time
• Expect one-lane alternating traffic guided by signs, cones and flagging personnel
• A speed reduction of 40 mph will be enforced through the work zones

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!