Pilot Cars Set to Move Traffic on Highway 287

Beginning on Tuesday, July 6, pilot cars will alternate one lane of traffic, beginning at the U.S. 160 junction, just south of Springfield, and continuing south approximately eight miles.  This operation will be in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through September 2010.  Delays up to 30 minutes should be expected.

Although pilot car operations are scheduled to begin next Tuesday, the start date is subject to change, due to weather or resource availability.  It could begin any day thereafter, until Tuesday, July 13.  On-site and electronic variable message signs in the Springfield/Lamar area also will be displaying the latest information regarding traffic impacts.

The $13.9 million project, fully-funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), is rebuilding the highway in concrete and widening the shoulders.  It also includes bridge widening and rehabilitation, new box culverts, erosion control and seeding.  All work is scheduled for completion in September 2010.

Updated information regarding traffic impacts on this or other CDOT projects is available at www.dot.state.co.us/TravelInfo/currentcond/ 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.