If you're planning on hitting the road along US Highway 50 between Gunnison and Salida next week, expect some slowdowns, as confirmed by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). Starting March 17, crews will be hard at work on culvert replacement operations specifically targeting the stretch of highway approximately 23 miles east of Gunnison, between Mile Points 181 and 182. To navigate the construction zone, drivers will rely on temporary traffic signals that'll be operational around the clock.
Daytime travelers, particularly during peak working hours, should brace for complete stops adding up to 20-minute delays through Friday, March 21, so plan your departures accordingly. CDOT has relayed the necessity for additional travel time during this period, in a statement that underscores the intersection of preparation and patience, they're urging motorists to plan, and allow for extra travel time on the impacted US 50 route between Salida and Gunnison, delays aren't just a possibility, they're pretty much a guarantee, given the nature of this essential infrastructure work, as detailed by CDOT.
The temporary inconvenience, as CDOT explains, paves the way for a more reliable and safer travel experience in the long run. Crews are scheduled to toil through the week to ensure the culvert replacement is wrapped up swiftly, but as history has taught us with this kind of work, everything hinges on the whims of the weather, operations are thoroughly weather dependent, according to CDOT.
