The Colorado Department of Transportation has kicked off overnight paving on US 40 near Empire, a move that aims to smooth your ride ahead of the winter and ski season rush. According to CDOT, the project launched early this September and is part of a grand scheme to enhance approximately six miles of the roadway.
The resurfacing work is expected to last six weeks, initiated on Tuesday, Sept 2. For the first three weeks, crews will tackle the area from east of Berthoud Falls to west of Empire, then proceed to the segment stretching from east of Empire to I-70. Motorists should prepare for east and westbound single lane closures from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, complete, with intermittent 15-minute stops in traffic.
But that's not all, daylight hours won't provide much reprieve with ongoing 15-minute traffic holds still in the cards for other construction work like electrical, pipe, and guardrail upgrades. The silver lining? These enhancements encompass new drainage systems, cleaner inlets, culverts, guardrail replacement, improved signage, and striping. Empire town will see its own share of love with traffic signal replacements, crosswalks, and curb ramp upgrades geared to ratchet up safety.
These upgrades aren't just about aesthetics. They're targeted at keeping erosion, potholes, and other damage at bay by rerouting water away from the tarmac. For the folks eager to hit the slopes this season, your drive might just be a whole lot smoother. The entire project is expected to wrap up come fall 2025, as per the CDOT.
