August 6, 2008
PROJECT UPDATE
SH 131 Chokecherry Lane South Construction
Project suspended for winter in late September
ROUTT COUNTY - The third and final phase of construction on State Highway 131 south of Steamboat Springs will be suspended for the winter in late September. The project limits of this phase are between M.P. 58.26 (on the south end) and 61.60 (on the north end).
This safety-improvement project involves shoulder widening to the standard 8 feet. The highway’s vertical alignment will be lowered on several hills throughout the project to improve motorists’ sight distance. Crews will also be removing and replacing guardrail and fencing on CDOT right-of-way.
Utility relocation was finished near the end of July. This has included relocation of new fiber optic and power lines throughout the project limits. Fence relocation has begun and will continue until mid-August. Topsoil removal, drainage work and earth work operations are expected to continue until the beginning of September.
All work for the 2008 season is expected to stop during the last week of September. Due to nationwide shortages of liquid asphalt, paving operations for the 2008 season have been pushed to the 2009 season. The project is projected to resume in June, and a completion date for 2009 will be announced.
TRAFFIC IMPACTS: During the project, motorists can expect single-lane, alternating traffic through the work zones, Monday through Friday, with some weekend work possible, from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. Delays are expected to be about 10 minutes at each of three possible work zones through the project.
The project is being constructed by Connell Resources of Steamboat Springs for $6.5 million. The project information line is (970) 871-4686. Crews greatly appreciate motorists’ driving “Slow for the Cone Zone!”
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