Monday, June 1, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and contract partner United Companies began an 18-mile surface treatment project on Colorado Highway 64 between mile markers 43 and 61 west between Meeker and Rangely. The project has an anticipated completion date of October 2020.
As part of CDOT’s “Whole System-Whole Safety” initiative, this project will focus on a 1-inch leveling, 1.5-inch hot mix asphalt (HMA) overlay and guardrail installation that will meet the new safety standard requirements. The HMA will add approximately 10 years of life to the highway, create a smoother road surface and will eliminate ruts and road damage. The new guardrail will be 31 inches high instead of 27 inches high to help vehicles remain on the road more effectively, making the highway safer for the traveling public.
Additional work will consist of rumble strip installation and pavement markings.
Motorists can expect east and westbound one-lane alternating traffic, 15 to 20 minute delays, 35 mph speed limit, and a 10 ft. width restriction during hours of operation. The project will be in operation Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Work on Hwy. 13 between Meeker and Rifle is progressing well, according to Nancy Shanks, project public information officer. “We continue full-depth reclamation of the roadway south of Rio Blanco County Rd. 5 (CR 5), including lowering about 1,800 linear feet of the highway by about 5 to 6 feet in elevation; this will improve sight distance—and safety—for motorists. You can expect single-lane, alternating travel with a signal (between mile points 16 and 17, 24/7, through the work zone south of CR 5. A 12-foot width restriction is in place only from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, with flaggers directing traffic. Also, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, north of CR 5, you’ll have intermittent single-lane, alternating travel as crews work at various locations for drainage.”
Special to the Herald Times
