The Colorado Department of Transportation announced Monday that work is beginning on a U.S. 50 project that includes several safety and drainage improvements in the Rocky Ford and Fowler areas.
Construction will occur at three intersections:
• State Highway 71. County Road 18 and U.S. 50 Intersection – west of Rocky Ford
The project includes a new left turn from westbound U.S. 50 to County Road (CR) 18; extension of an acceleration lane from State Highway 71 to eastbound U.S. 50; a new acceleration lane from County Road 18 to westbound U.S. 50: median barrier installation along U.S. 50; and the addition of a drainage pipe across U.S. 50.
• County Road 3.5 - east of Fowler.
This project includes relocation of County Road 3.5 600 feet to the west, drainage improvements; the addition of a sidewalk on the south side of U.S. 50; a new left turn lane from westbound U.S. 50 to new County Road 3.5; and a median turning lane from the new CR 3.5 to westbound U.S. 50
• County Road 2.0 – west of Fowler
At this intersection, a box culvert will be extended; a median turning area for access points near or at the stockyard will be installed; and a left turn lane from County Road 2 to westbound U.S. 50 will be built.
Project hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday. Occasional lane closures and traffic stops can be expected during work hours, with delays of less than 10 minutes. Work zone speed limits will be reduced to 35 or 40 miles per hour and vehicles wider than 11 feet will be restricted, as necessary, from traveling through the area.
Initial work during the first few weeks involves equipment mobilization, surveying, erosion control, grading and drainage operations.
“This is a safety improvement project,” says CDOT Resident Engineer Karen Rowe. “We’re adding turn lanes at some key intersections and also improving the sight distance at County Road 3.5 by slightly relocating it.”
Kiewit Western Co. of Littleton is the contractor for the $2.1 million project. Completion is scheduled in November.
Motorists are reminded to "Slow for the Cone Zone," stay alert and pay attention to and obey all work zone and advisory signs and flaggers.
Information about this or other CDOT projects is at www.cotrip.org or by calling 511 statewide.
State Highway 71. County Road 18 and U.S. 50 Intersection – west of Rocky Ford
View Larger Map
County Road 3.5 - east of Fowler.
County Road 2.0 – west of Fowler
