July 1, 2008
NEW CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
US 50 PASSING LANE PROJECT BEGINS NEXT WEEK
PUEBLO COUNTY – The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will begin constructing an eastbound and westbound passing lane along a three-mile segment of U.S. 50, beginning nine miles west of Fowler, on Monday, July 7. Along with adding lanes between mile 338 and mile 341, just east of 59th Lane, work will include shoulder widening, asphalt paving, extension of culverts and installation of new right-of-way fence.
Project hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays. Initial operations will be outside of the traffic lanes, with only shoulder closures in place. During work hours, the speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph through the entire construction zone, and lowered to 40 mph through the active work area.
Beginning in August, work could require eastbound and westbound traffic to alternate through the area, with traffic delays up to 15 minutes. CDOT will send out an advisory, as necessary, regarding any anticipated traffic impacts. However, any planned work within the travel lanes will be suspended for the Labor Day holiday.
“This is a safety project,” says CDOT Resident Engineer Karen Rowe. “Traffic speeds can vary along this busy segment of Highway 50. Adding passing lanes will improve traffic movements, allowing slower and faster moving vehicles to travel safely through the area.”
Tricon 2 LLC of Castle Rock, CO is the contractor for the $4 million project. It is scheduled for completion in November 2008.
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