Periodic full daytime closures of US 85 near Sedalia in Douglas County for rock scaling work on April 6-8

Travel Advisory

April 5, 2022 - Central/Eastern Colorado - Expect delays and crews on the roadway; full overnight closures on Airport Road in mid-April as part of the US 85 improvement project

Douglas County — Motorists should prepare for delays on US 85 for upcoming rock scaling work.

US 85 daytime closures

  • US 85 between Sedalia and Louviers will have several twenty minute full closures between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 6 to Friday, April 8 while crews remove loose rocks and debris from the hill and roadway. The work is necessary to prevent debris from falling onto the roadway and traffic.
  • CDOT recommends motorists take I-25 as an alternative route during these closures to avoid delays on US 85.

Airport Road overnight closures (updated 4/21/2022)

  • Airport Road between US 85 and North Peterson Road will close from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Wednesday, May 4 and Thursday, May 5. Crews will be repaving Airport Road. Detour: travelers can access Airport Road from US 85 from Kelly Court/West Louviers Avenue to Lavaun Drive to Airport Road or from Manhart Avenue to North Peterson Road to Airport Road.

For the safety of motorists and workers, drivers are reminded to obey all posted speed limits through the project. Reduced lane widths and reduced speed limit of 45 mph will be in effect until further notice.

The schedule above could change depending on the weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

Project background

A 2.5 mile stretch of US 85 is being rebuilt and widened to two lanes in each direction between Sedalia and Louviers. A ten-foot-wide shoulder is being added on either side as well as a large median to reduce crash risk and improve the safety for emergency stops. Construction work also includes bridge replacement, a storm drain system, a retaining wall, steep slope earthwork, deer fencing, new traffic signals, signing, striping, and utility relocations. Construction started in the summer of 2020 and is close to completion.

Project Information

Know Before You Go

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:

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!