Plan ahead for traffic delays on Highway 13

RBC | Travelers on Highway 13 between Meeker and Rifle should plan ahead for road construction delays this summer.

The Colorado Department of Transportation along with IHC Scott will widen 3.5 miles of roadway located 11 miles northwest of Rifle between mile markers 12 and 17. New passing lanes will be created from 26- to 40-feet, pullouts and a new chain up area.

Work is already underway, with daytime hours between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday work may occur as needed.

This project will be completed in two phases. During the first phase of the project, the team will work on culverts, drainage, embankment and widening of slopes, and the start of the wildlife underpass. The project anticipated winter shutdown will be Nov. 1, 2022—April 1, 2023 weather depending. Project completion is expected in November 2023.

Vehicles may be reduced to a single-lane, alternating traffic intermittently in either direction, throughout the duration of the project. These lane closures, guided by flaggers and pilot cars, may have up to 15-minute delays. The speed limit will be reduced to 40 mph through the work zone.

The project team will stay in close contact with CDOT maintenance crews in the event of Interstate 70 closures in Glenwood Canyon to prepare for possible detour traffic.