Project Update The Colorado Department of Transportation continues construction work at the intersection of US Highways 50 and 285 near Poncha Springs. The intersections improvement project will realign and reconstruct the former three-way configuration into a four-way signalized intersection. The project also includes the resurfacing of approximately seven miles of US 50 from the intersection to just west of Maysville, Mile Points 210-217.
Project milestones to date include: 
The grading and realignment work on US 285 is completed. The first two layers of asphalt have been paved on US 285 The first layer of asphalt has been paved on US 50 All of the infrastructure (underground conduits, caissons, traffic cabinet base) for the signal poles has been installed Due to a design discrepancy the intersection must be redesigned and rebuilt. It has been determined that commercial semi-trucks cannot navigate the intersection and raised islands. Crews must remove the newly constructed islands, the northeast signal pole and the pull box which houses electrical wiring. These elements of the intersection will be rebuilt.

While scheduling impacts for the duration of the project are not yet known due to the required redesign, work to remove the raised islands could begin as early as next week. CDOT will announce the new anticipated completion date when that information is available. Work was previously expected to be completed at the end of September or first week of October. 

Once completed, the project will create a safer intersection by correcting the sharp curve radius that previously existed and will align US 285 with Kimberlin Lane. Additionally, the right turn lane from westbound US 50 to northbound 285 will be lengthened. The seven-mile asphalt resurfacing of US 50 will extend the life of the roadway 15 years by improving the highway’s structural integrity. 
Travel Impacts 
Typical working hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday Two nights of paving operations, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., will occur to minimize traffic impacts. The dates will be announced the week before it is scheduled Motorists can also expect one-lane and turn-lane closures in the construction zoneSchedules are subject to change based on weather and available resources. For real-time updates on this project and others across the state, please visit http://www.COTrip.org.

Approximately seven miles will be paved on US Highway 50 headed west from Poncha Springs. There will be an intersection re-alignment and widening at US 50 and US 285.