Construction Begins on Raton Pass

August 6, 2013 - Southeastern Colorado/CDOT Region 2 - LAS ANIMAS COUNTY – A Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) project consisting of asphalt paving, bridge upgrades and new guardrails is underway on the 7 ½ mile segment of Interstate 25, north from the New Mexico state line.

Bridge work involves repairing the decks, replacing the expansion joints and waterproofing the five structures.  Single lane closures remain in place at each location around the clock through early October.

Elsewhere, drivers can expect lane closures at other project locations from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Guardrail installation and curb work continues through September, with paving operations beginning in early October.

A 45 mph speed limit is in effect through each work zone.  In addition, vehicles wider than 15 feet are not allowed through this area while lane restrictions are in place.

The entire project is scheduled for completion in November 2013.

APC Southern Construction Co. of Golden, Colo. is the project’s prime contractor.

“In addition to providing a smoother ride and reducing vehicle wear and tear and lowering vehicle maintenance costs, the new pavement and bridge rehabilitation work will extend the lifespan of the highway and the bridges by at least 10 years,” says CDOT Resident Engineer Joe DeHeart.  “Other enhancements will help improve safety.  The new guardrails can help keep vehicles away from roadside hazards like trees and ditches, and the new striping will increase the visibility of the roadway, especially at night.”

FASTER – Funding Advancements for Surface Transportation and Economic Recovery – is funding $1.2 million of the $7.4 million project.  Financed by vehicle registration fees, FASTER safety funds are used for construction, reconstruction, or maintenance projects the Colorado Transportation Commission, a county or municipality determine are needed to enhance the safety of a state highway, county road, or city street.

Updated information regarding traffic impacts on this or other CDOT projects is available at www.coloradodot.info/travel/scheduled-lane-closures.html or by calling 511.  To receive project updates via e-mail, visit www.coloradodot.info and click on the cell-phone icon in the upper right-hand corner.  The link takes you to a list of items you can subscribe to, including Southeast Colorado.

TRANSPORTATION MATTERS: A smoother ride will reduce wear and tear and lower vehicle maintenance costs.