By Chris Sorensen

In an area where stoplights are rare, and in some counties non-existent, motorist in Kiowa County have been confronted with the traffic signals as repairs to area highways continue.

Traffic on Highway 287 in Eads has occasionally backed up for nearly one-quarter mile in either direction this week as contractors for the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) repair or replace the concrete road surface panels. Portable traffic lights are set up near the V&S Railway underpass at the junction of Highways 287 and 96.

Currently the southbound lane for 287 is subject to closures around the clock in Eads, and there are similar closures for the northbound lane of 287 between Wiley and Eads as the repair project continues. The overall project will continue through September in various areas.

CDOT has also been making repairs and improvements to Highway 96 in the Haswell area this summer. Continuing through September are rolling single-lane closures of the east- and westbound lanes of Highway 96 west of the Haswell area to Eads. The project, which includes milling, paving and striping, spans about 35 miles. The lane closures can be expected between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The speed limit in work zones is 40 miles per hours. Fifteen minute delays are possible, and loads over 14 feet are restricted during project work hours.