Montrose County — The Colorado Department of Transportation and Grand Junction contract partner Elam Construction will begin roadway and safety improvements along U.S. Route 550 on January 30. 6:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the Montrose County Events Center. The event address is 1036 North 7th Street. Members of the public and those with access points along highway corridors are encouraged to attend to learn about the phase schedule and traffic implications.
The project will be implemented at three locations along an 8.5-mile stretch of US 550. The project boundary begins at mile point 126 on Otter Road south of Montrose and continues to the Ouray-Montrose County Line at MP 117.5.
Hallway safety improvements for US 550 include:
- South Leg – County Line to Centennial RV Park, MP 117.3 to 118.8
- Deer fences, jumpouts and deer guards at each access
- Left turn slowdown lane at Centennial RV Park
- Middle Section – Uncompahgre Road north of Trout Road, MP 121.3 to 123.1
- Trout Road Intersection Restructuring
- Passing lane on trout road
- Long left turn lane from Tulare Road north of Ridge View Drive
- Northern Section – South of Solar Road to Otter Road, MP 123.4 to 126.1
- Solar road intersection arrangement
- Solar road left turn deceleration lane
- Long left turn lanes on Rose Road and Riverside Road
- Racine Road Intersection Reorganization
- Full Length of Project – County Line to Otter Road, MP 117.3 to 126.1
- access control
- frontage road fence
The new express lanes will improve traffic flow and provide safer operating conditions. Auxiliary lanes, on the other hand, provide a safe path for vehicles to slow down to a suitable speed before exiting the highway. The project is scheduled to last until October.
Other benefits of this project include a wildlife fencing system. Wildlife fences keep animals off highways and into safer intersections. Once an animal enters the highway, a new game ramp allows the animal to exit the highway corridor.
Traffic impact
Daytime work is from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Motorists should plan for lane changes, shoulder closures, one-lane alternating, and relaxed speed limits throughout work zones.
Project information
Additional information about this project:
know before you go
Travelers are urged to “know before you go”. Gather information about weather forecasts, expected travel impacts, and current road conditions before you hit the road. CDOT resources include:
Remember: slow in the cone zone
The following tips will help ensure safety when navigating maintenance and construction work zones.
- Do not speed in the work area. Obey posted speed limits.
- Stay vigilant! Expect the unexpected.
- Be careful workers. Please drive carefully.
- Do not change lanes unnecessarily.
- Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in the work area.
- Turn on your headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
- Be especially careful at night while driving in work zones.
- Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
- Please keep enough distance between you and the car in front.
- Anticipate lane changes and merge when instructed.
- Be patient!
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