The Colorado Department of Transportation, with its contract partner Pyramid Construction, Inc., will begin roadway widening work February 24 between Rocky Ford and Ordway. Work will occur along Colorado Highway 71, north of County Road HH 5 and south of Bob Creek, Mile Point 18.75 to MP 20.75.

Work will primarily consist of installing a passing lane, sign and delineator installation, new fence installation and pavement markings. Work will be done in the northbound and southbound lanes for a two-mile stretch of Colorado Highway 71. The project will provide a safe passing zone with new pavement markings throughout the work area. Widening these passing lanes will ensure proper slope and drainage from the center line.

Traffic Impacts 

Beginning February 24, motorists will encounter road work on Colorado Highway 71 between Road HH 5 and Bob Creek. Traffic impacts will include:

• Daytime work hours range from 30 minutes after sunrise (approximately 7:00 a.m.) to 30 minutes before sunset (approximately 4:30 p.m.) Monday through Friday and potentially some Saturday work.
• Vehicles will be reduced to a single-lane, alternating traffic intermittently in either direction throughout the duration of the project. 
• Lane closures, guided by flaggers and traffic control devices, will have up to 15-minute delays. 
• The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph through the work zone with flaggers and 50 mph without flaggers.
• The project is expected to last through the end of July.

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