If you're heading out on US Highway 160 near Cortez this Tuesday, be prepared for some construction-induced holdups. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has announced plans to fix up weather-beaten guardrails between Mile Points 40 and 44, just east of the city. For anyone commuting between Cortez and Mancos during the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., there's a good chance you'll be hitting the brakes for an extra 10 to 15 minutes due to the repairs.
According to CDOT, drivers will be nudged into a one-lane alternating traffic pattern, flagged and signed to keep things orderly. Bear in mind that speed limits through the stretch will drop to 40 MPH, so plan on easing off the gas pedal and allowing more time to reach your destination. If you're aiming for punctuality on Tuesday, it might be wise to get an early start.
CDOT is placing safety as a priority and is urging drivers to maneuver with caution through the area, especially since workers will be up close with the traffic. To stay on top of the latest highway conditions, CDOT is nudging travellers to use resources like COtrip.org or download their COtrip Planner app. Sign-ups for alerts are also available to keep you posted on the goings-on that might affect your route.
