Commuters who take U.S. Highway 550 south of Durango should plan for 15-30 minute delays while the Colorado Department of Transportation performs chip seal maintenance beginning Monday.
The operation will take place on about 6 miles of highway between County Road 302 and Bondad Hill, or mileposts 6 through 12, according to CDOT.
Pilot vehicles and crews with signage will guide traffic during the course of the project.
Adair Christensen, spokeswoman for CDOT, said in an email Tuesday crews will perform chip sealing on 2-mile segments of highway at a time.
“Depending on the exact location of chip seal operations, motorists traveling from private drives or intersections may encounter maintenance crews directing traffic or signage informing drivers to ‘wait here for pilot car,’” she said. “To make sure motorists reach their destinations safely, we urge them to wait for a pilot car and then join the line of traffic.”
CDOT said motorists are likely to encounter one-lane alternating traffic controlled by flagging crew members and pilot cars, and reduced speeds of 40 mph will be enforced throughout the work zone.
Work will be performed between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday until the chip seal project is completed. Although the project is not expected to last longer than one week, inclement weather could prolong the work.
Christensen said chip seal operations must be performed during warmer months and when chances of rain or snow are low. In the Durango area, maintenance crews perform similar projects on various sections of highway every year based on pavement preservation data that determines where work zones are prioritized.
For the 6-mile project scheduled to start Monday, about 1,500 tons of chips and 50,000 gallons of oil is planned to be used.
CDOT said motorists should use caution and follow signage and flagging crews throughout the work zone. Allowing a safe distance between vehicles will reduce the chances of loose stones damaging windshields or vehicle paint.
“Slow vehicle speeds are critical for safety, project quality, and everyone's windshield,” Christensen added. “These projects preserve our highways and are worth the wait.”
cburney@durangoherald.com
