Plan for additional travel time next week between Mancos and Durango

Montezuma and La Plata Counties - The Colorado Department of Transportation reminds motorists of chip seal work on US Highway 160 between Mancos and Durango. Beginning Monday, July 29, motorists should plan for up to 20 minute delays starting approximately five miles east of Mancos. Work will be completed in two-mile sections moving east toward Durango (Mile Points 61 to 81).

This resurfacing operation is a two-step process that includes first an application of asphalt emulsion and then a layer of crushed rock to an existing asphalt pavement surface. Motorists are urged to use slower speeds through the work zone to avoid vehicle damage.

CDOT and contract partner Intermountain Slurry Seal began work to resurface the 20-mile segment of US 160 in late June. Crews have since completed preliminary project tasks with minimal impacts to travel including, removal of paint markings from the roadway.

Traffic Impacts

Working hours will be from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Traffic impacts will include:

• Single-lane alternating traffic guided by traffic control operations and a pilot car
• The speed limit will be reduced to 40 mph in the work zone
• Plan ahead and expect 15 to 20 minute delays
• Construction schedules could change depending on the weather

Driving Through Chip Seal Projects

Travelers are urged to:

• Slow down - Higher speeds can cause loose stones to scatter, and damage vehicle paint and windshields
• Increase distance between vehicles - Space between you and other vehicles will help reduce damage caused by loose stones
• Follow work zone signage - Use caution and consider worker safety when traveling through a work zone

Project Information

For additional information about this project:

• Call the project information line at 970-718-5163
• Email the project team at: [email protected]
• Visit the project website at: codot.gov/projects/us160roadwayswco

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts, anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions before hitting the road. CDOT and other resources include:

• Road conditions and travel information website: COtrip.org
• Chain and traction law information: codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
• See scheduled lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
• Weather forecasts: www.weather.gov
• Check avalanche conditions at CAIC: www.avalanche.state.co.us

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!