Culvert Repairs Across Mesa Montrose Counties Begin Mid April

Mesa and Montrose Counties — An advanced technology for culvert repairs is being utilized in Mesa and Montrose Counties with seven culverts receiving improvements by the Colorado Department of Transportation and prime contractor American West Construction.

Recently crews started work on US Highway 50 east of Montrose implementing an advanced culvert liner that has a 50-year design life. Six culverts along US 50 will see improvements from just east of Cerro Summit, Mile Point 108, to Cimarron, MP 112.3. Crews will finalize the project in August with a culvert under I-70 just short of the Utah-Colorado border, MP 4.4.

This culvert liner technology allows for the trenchless rehabilitation of pipes while the pipe is still operational and in place. The liner is pulled into the culvert pipe using a special tool to inflate it. This takes out all the creases and creates a smooth internal surface.

“Though often invisible to drivers, culverts provide essential drainage that keeps roadways safe and operable.,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “Several years ago, CDOT and the Transportation Commission worked to fund an initiative dedicated specifically to culvert repair, to ensure these vital assets are functioning properly for years to come. This innovative project is a direct result of that focused effort.”

Repairing culverts with an inflatable liner requires less time and creates fewer impacts to the traveling public by avoiding trenching and major excavation. The process starts with clearing the area of debris and then cleaning the culvert. Installing the liner is estimated to take a matter of hours. For most culverts, the entire operation takes only one day.

These improvements are a direct result from a CDOT culvert funding initiative aimed to ensure these vital assets are functioning properly for years to come in order to support essential drainage and keep roadways safer.

Traffic Impacts

• The project is slated to begin mid-April and go through August
• Working hours will be from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
• Motorists can expect lane shifts and shoulder closures.
• For real-time travel impacts on this project and others across the state, visit COTrip.org.

The map shows the seven locations where culverts are having work done to extend their lifespan. Six culverts on US 50 between MP 108 to MP 112.3 and one culvert on I-70 at MP 4.4.

Project Information

For additional information about this project:

• Call the project information line at 970-880-2551
• Email the project team at: [email protected]
• Visit the project website at: codot.gov/projects/us50culvertmesa

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
• Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
• Check scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

• Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
• Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
• Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
• Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
• Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
• Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
• Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
• Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
• Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
• Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
• Be patient!

Download the COtrip App!

The free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!