US 50 Little Blue Creek Canyon Improvements

Project Overview

The Federal Highway Administration and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will begin a 4-mile improvement project of US Highway 50. This project is also supported by the Central Federal Lands Highway Division (FHWA-CFLHD), in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the National Park Service.

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The project is located between mileposts 123 and 127, approximately 30 miles east of Montrose, Colorado, and about 33 miles from Gunnison, Colorado. The route provides access to various federal lands, including The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Curecanti National Recreational Area, BLM land, and USFS land. The project is divided into two segments, 3 and 4, respectively. The critical roadway project plans improvements within Segment 3 to include realignment, widening the highway to two 12-foot travel lanes with two 4-foot wide paved shoulders, guardrail replacement, additional rockfall catchment area, new signage, and striping. Proposed improvements within Segment 4 include realignment, widening the highway to two 12-foot travel lanes with two 8-foot wide paved shoulders, new signage, and striping.

 

TRAFFIC AND RECREATION IMPACTS

Travel impacts for motorists will be consistent throughout the project. For much of the roadwork, motorists should plan for single-lane closures, and full roadway closures reduced speed limits, and narrowed roads. Significant delays are anticipated.

 

The project is scheduled to be complete in Spring/Summer 2024. We do not have an official date for completion. 

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