The Colorado Department of Transportation and contracting partner Elam Construction began resurfacing and culvert improvements on February 17 along Colo. 151 east of Ignacio from the La Plata/Archuleta county line to south of the “old coal mine.”
Motorists should plan for 15-minute delays during construction hours. The project is expected to be completed at the beginning of September 2025.
The project will improve approximately 13 miles of Colo. 151 from mile point 12.8, east of Ignacio at the La Plata/Archuleta county line, to mile pint 26, south of the old coal mine. Work will include milling old asphalt, paving with new asphalt, shouldering, rumble strip installation, guardrail replacement and road sign replacement. Additional work will consist of six culvert improvements, including repairing one culvert, cleaning out two culverts and replacing three culverts throughout the project limits.
Project benefits
The new asphalt will add approximately 10 years of life to the highway, provide a smoother road surface and increase durability by increasing the resistance of ruts and road damage.
It will also include the installation of new guardrail that will be 31 inches high, designed to meet new safety standard requirements. The higher railing will help veering vehicles remain on the road more effectively, making the highway safer for the traveling public. The former standard height of guardrail was 27 inches.
Improvements and replacement of culverts will accommodate higher accumulations of rainfall and lower the risks associated with flooding to maintain safe driving conditions.
Daytime work hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Traffic impacts will include:
- Motorists should plan for 15-minute delays.
- Motorists must obey a speed reduction of 40 mph.
- Expect one-lane alternating traffic guided by flagging personnel.
- Travelers will encounter 24/7 one-lane alternating traffic guided by a temporary portable traffic signal with a speed reduction of 25 mph at culvert locations.