The Colorado Department of Transportation in coordination with prime contractor, United Companies, will begin resurfacing US Highway 50 through the town of Olathe starting on Monday, May 6. The project zone will span over 10 miles on US 50 from Mile Point 76.84 to 86.04, including the US 50 Business Loop (MP 0.0 to MP 0.93) and three adjacent US 50 frontage roads.

US 50 Project Map Start and End Points

The project is part of CDOT’s 10-year plan for improvements in Delta and Montrose counties. During construction, motorists should expect one through-lane of traffic will remain open on US 50 in both directions at all times with minimal expected delays.

General working hours will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday with no anticipated weekend or overnight construction. As construction shifts to the US 50 Business Loop and adjacent frontage roads, intermittent detour routes and width restrictions are anticipated.

Frontage Road Work Zone Map

The project’s primary focus will be resurfacing both the east and westbound lanes of each roadway using a leveling and overlay process. Other elements of the project include constructing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant curb ramps at several intersections through Olathe, installing new traffic camera systems, implementing new striping and rumble strips and placing new guardrails and delineators.

“This project is a great example of the significant improvements to rural roads that CDOT is making through the Ten Year Plan,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “US 50 is a key corridor, and the stretch through Olathe is especially important for agriculture given the significant role that this community plays in the state’s corn production.”

Crews will begin leveling operations on the west end of the project, moving east toward the Colorado Highway 348 intersection. After leveling the west section of US 50, the project team will begin overlaying the entire US 50 stretch from the east end of the project zone back toward the west.

Work will then transition to resurfacing US 50 Frontage Road 1, which lies on the north side of US 50 between David Road and 12th Street. Following this, crews will move to the US 50 Business Loop.

Operations will finish with resurfacing the US 50 Frontage Road 2, which runs south of US 50 between CO 348 and Falcon Road, and Frontage Road 3 that continues on the south side of US 50 east to 6025 Road. Work is anticipated to be completed in September of this year.

Resurfacing operations will not only improve and prolong the life of the roadway surface, but will also provide a smoother and more enjoyable driving experience for all motorists.

The new guardrails, rumble strips, and striping will boast added safety benefits for travelers along the US 50 corridor.

Traffic Impacts

Motorists and area residents can expect the following impacts during construction:

• General working hours will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday with no anticipated weekend or overnight construction.
• Travelers can expect flagging operations with alternating single lane closures throughout the duration of the project. One through-lane of traffic will remain open on US 50 in both directions at all times with minimal expected delays.
• As construction shifts to the US 50 Business Loop and adjacent frontage roads, intermittent detour routes and width restrictions are anticipated.
• Varying speed reductions throughout the project zone will be in effect. Please follow all signage on-site for adjusted speed limits.
• Please refer to COtrip.org for real-time lane closure updates and travel conditions.