Widening project on CO 13 Garfield County Rio Blanco Hill northwest of Rifle to begin May 9

Travel Advisory

May 3, 2022 - Northwest Colorado - Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays

GARFIELD COUNTY— The Colorado Department of Transportation will soon begin widening 3.5 miles of Colorado Highway 13 located 11 miles northwest of Rifle. New, wider lanes will be created for safe passing, pullouts added, wildlife crossings and a new chain up area.

The location of the project is on CO 13 from Mile Points 12.78 to 16.18. Work begins in early May, with traffic impacts starting the week of May 9. Motorists should plan for reduced speeds and intermittent single-lane, alternating traffic. Both directions of traffic will be affected. There may be up to 15-minute delays, and motorists must follow directions from flaggers and pilot cars. Saturday work may occur if necessary.

This project will be completed in two phases. During the first phase of the project, the team will work on culverts, drainage, embankment and widening of slopes, and the start of the wildlife underpass. The anticipated winter shutdown will take place November 1, 2022 – April 1, 2023 depending on weather. Project completion is expected in November 2023.

The project team will stay in close contact with CDOT maintenance crews in the event of Interstate 70 closures in Glenwood Canyon. This coordination will help the project team prepare for detour traffic during I-70 closures.

Traffic Impacts

Daytime work will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday work may occur if necessary. Vehicles may be reduced to a single-lane, alternating traffic intermittently in either direction, throughout the duration of the project. These lane closures, guided by flaggers and pilot cars, may have up to 15-minute delays. The speed limit will be reduced to 40 mph through the work zone.The project team will stay in close contact with CDOT maintenance crews in the event of Interstate 70 closures in Glenwood Canyon. This coordination will help the project team prepare for detour traffic during I-70 closures.

CO 13 Rio Blanco Hill widening project map

About the Project

The CO 13 Garfield County Rio Blanco Hill Widening Project will reconstruct and improve safety on CO 13. Safety improvements will include widening of the road, as well as embankment and drainage work. These improvements are designed to give motorists wider roads to travel on during inclement weather, higher traffic volumes, and to prevent road erosion. The resurfacing and widening will create smoother pavement and improved driving conditions, and adding chain up areas will significantly improve safety for travelers when weather conditions suddenly change.

Project Information

For additional information about this project:

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!

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