The Colorado Department of Transportation culvert replacement work on CO Hwy 151 continues, with a 24/7 full closure set to begin this Friday, October 13 at 5pm. The road is anticipated to reopen to motorists after seven days on Friday, October 20 at 5pm.
The closure points are located on either side of the project site, five miles south of the US 160 Junction near Chimney Rock National Monument at Mile Point 28.
With the seven-day, around-the-clock closure in place, motorists will need to use US 160 and CO 172 as an alternate route.
Travelers are advised that a resurfacing project is also occurring on CO 172, between Ignacio and Elmore’s Corner, at the US 160 junction. Delays up to 30 minutes can be expected on CO 172 from 7am to 7pm, depending on traffic volumes.
Traffic Impacts
Motorists will encounter daytime and nighttime closures between Arboles and the US 160 Junction (October 13 through 20). Traffic impacts will include:
- South closure point is located at MP 28.1, north of Old Gallegos Road
- North closure point is located at MP 29, south of Cabazon Canyon Road
- Do not attempt to bypass road barricades at the closure points
- Travelers are encouraged to seek alternative routes and check COtrip.org for the most current road conditions
Implementing a full closure of CO 151 will reduce the amount of work time and traffic impacts required at this location. Work includes the installation of two new concrete box culverts, rebuilding and resurfacing of the roadway and re-establishing proper water drainage in the area.
In April, CDOT was alerted of erosion issues on the shoulder of the highway caused by heavy spring run-off in Stollsteimer Creek. Maintenance crews completed temporary repairs in May and permanent structures are expected to be in place by late November.
Travelers are reminded that Chimney Rock National Monument’s Visitor Center and visitor services will be closed for the winter season beginning Monday, October 16. Visit chimneyrockco.org for more information about the national monument.
Travelers headed north and south between Pagosa Springs and the New Mexico state line should seek alternate routes while a 24/7 closure remains in place on CO 151 at Mile Point 28 (October 13 through 20).
Project Information
For additional information about the CO 151 Emergency Culvert Replacement Project:
- Call the project information line at 970-661-2466
- Email the project team at: co151emergencyculvert@gmail.com
- Visit the project website at: www.codot.gov/projects/co151-arboles-culverts
Know Before You Go
Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:
Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org