Resurfacing project begins on CO 71 south of CO 14

Travel Advisory

Morgan and Weld Counties - The Colorado Department of Transportation and Castle Rock Construction will begin a pavement overlay and infrastructure improvement project on Colorado Highway 71 (Heartland Expressway) in late July.

Located just south of Colorado Highway 14 and north of Snyder and Brush, the approximately four-mile project is designed to improve roadway safety, durability and overall driving conditions.

The anticipated completion date is late November.

Work will take place between CO 14 and County Road 78, located north of Snyder and Brush. The project will include milling the existing asphalt, followed by an overlay of new concrete pavement. These upgrades will provide a smoother and safer driving surface, extending the life of the roadway.

Additional improvements include culvert extensions to protect the roadway from water damage. A solar-powered warning beacon and rumble strips will also be installed to help alert drivers and enhance overall roadway safety.

"This area gets hit with a lot of water over-topping the road," said Heather Paddock, CDOT Northeast Colorado Transportation Director. "The water takes a toll on the road and is a hazard for drivers. This project will give new life to the road and give drivers warning when the high water comes."

These improvements will help keep the highway in good shape for years to come and make travel safer for everyone.

Project Schedule

• Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The work schedule is weather-dependent and subject to change

Traffic Impacts

• Initial impacts on CO 71 will begin with northbound and southbound shoulder closures between CR 78 and CO 14 for slope grading and embankment activities
  • Work begins north of CR 78
• A 24/7 full closure of CO 71 (Heartland Expressway) between CO 14 and I-76 is anticipated to start in early August for prepping the road for the pavement overlay. Traffic will be detoured at I-76, but local traffic access will remain open
  • Northbound CO 71 (Heartland Expressway) detour from Brush:
    • From CO 71 in Brush, travel westbound on I-76 to Colorado Highway 52 in Fort Morgan. Head north on CO 52 to CO 14. Then, travel east on CO 14 to reconnect with CO 71
    • Detour signs will guide motorists
• Please follow the posted speed limit throughout the construction area
• For current road conditions, visit COtrip.org

Project Information

For additional information about this project:

• Call the project information line at 720-442-9919
• Email the project team at: [email protected]
• Visit the project website at: codot.gov/projects/co71resurfacingsouthco14

Know Before You Go

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:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
• Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
• Check scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

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!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!