CDOT to improve intersection of CO 172 and CR 318 south of Ignacio

LA PLATA COUNTY — The Colorado Department of Transportation, in cooperation with Oldcastle SW Group, will improve the intersection of CO Highway 172 and County Road 318 just south of Ignacio. Traffic impacts will begin Monday, September 20 and will continue through December 2021. 

Crews will work on roadway widening, median construction, lighting installation, and pavement markings. The project will add a left turn lane, northbound, on CO 172 for vehicles turning onto CR 318. This will greatly enhance the safety and functionality of this intersection of the highway. 

“This intersection improvement project will ensure motorists can move safely and reliably travel through this intersection for years to come,” said CDOT Regional Transportation Director Julie Constan. “The addition of dedicated turn lanes will allow vehicles to slow down and turn without affecting the flow of through traffic. This will greatly reduce the risk of rear-end crashes.”

Traffic Impacts 

Beginning September 20, motorists will encounter road work at the intersection of CO 172 and CR 318. Traffic impacts will include:

• Working hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• Various lane and shoulder closures will take place within the work zone. Traffic delays up to 15 minutes should be expected.

• Traffic fines will be doubled in the work zone. Motorists should slow down as they approach the work zones, drive with caution, allow extra space between vehicles, and give themselves extra travel time.

Project Information 

For additional information about this project: 

• Call the project information line at 970-718-5094

• Email the project team at: [email protected] 

• Visit the project website at: codot.gov/projects/co172-cr318-intersection

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org 

• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COalerts

• Scheduled lane closures

• Connect with us on social media: Twitter @coloradodot and Facebook facebook.com/coloradodot
  

About CDOT

CDOT’s Whole System-Whole Safety program has one simple mission — to get everyone home safely. Our approximately 3,000 employees work tirelessly to reduce the rate and severity of crashes and improve the safety of all modes of transportation. The department manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway, more than 3,000 bridges and 35 mountain passes. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments and airports. It also operates Bustang, the state-owned interregional express bus service. Gov. Jared Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s intermodal mobility options. 

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

• Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.

• Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.

• Watch for workers. Drive with caution.

• Don't change lanes unnecessarily.

• Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.

• Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.

• Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.

• Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.

• Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.

• Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.

• Be patient!