Lane closures, NB Hwy 285 @ Windy Point, start Dec 12th

Lane closures planned on northbound U.S. 285 near Windy Point
By Gaby Zastrocky
Tuesday, November 27, 201

for more information about this project, please see Steve Harelson's update during the Conifer Town Hall Meeting here (he was the first speaker):

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Safety Project Set to Start on Highway 285

December 6, 2012 - Central Eastern Colorado/CDOT Region 1 - JEFFERSON COUNTY – The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) begins installing a drain system under U.S. 285 at Windy Point (mile 240.5) next week, designed to enhance traveler safety by reducing roadway freezing.

Windy Point is located about four miles north of Conifer.

Beginning on Wednesday, December 12, both lanes of northbound U.S. 285 will be shifted to the right, allowing the concrete pavement to be removed and the drain installed. Then, beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 14, the highway will be reduced to one lane for concrete pouring operations. Northbound Highway 285 remains in a one-lane configuration until 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 15.

The second project phase shifts both northbound lanes to the left at 9 a.m. on Monday, December 17. It will remain in that configuration through Thursday, December 20.

The speed limit will be reduced to 40 mph through the area when work is taking place.

“Ground water frequently seeps up onto the road through the concrete joints and then freezes, icing up the roadway in an area where northbound 285 is heading downhill towards a curve and that’s caused accidents in the past,” said CDOT Resident Engineer Steve Harelson. “We’re removing the concrete panels and installing a drain system that’ll intercept the ground water and drain it into the existing drainage system, eliminating the freeze-up problem.”

FASTER – Funding Advancements for Surface Transportation and Economic Recovery – is fully funding the $160,000 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.

The contractor, K.E.C.I Colorado Inc. of Sedalia, CO. is scheduled to complete a majority of the project by December 20, 2012, weather permitting. A one-day, two hour lane closure may be required around January 1 to seal the new concrete.

Reminder from CDOT :
Heads-Up for Conifer Area/US 285: Beginning tomorrow, we will be installing a drainage system under US 285 at Windy Point (roughly four miles north of Conifer). The system will improve traveler safety by reducing roadway freezing. Motorists should expect lane shifts in each direction and a reduced speed limit of 40 MPH. The project is expected to complete by Dec. 20. Please drive slow for the cone zone!

According to temporary highway variable message signs, the work will continue through January 5th. We'll update as we know more.