The Colorado Department of Transportation announced on Apr. 17 that it has started repairs on seven culverts in Mesa and Montrose Counties, using advanced technology to extend the lifespan of these essential structures.
Culverts play a critical role in providing drainage beneath roadways, which helps keep roads safe for drivers. The improvements aim to ensure these assets remain functional for years to come, supporting roadway safety and reducing maintenance disruptions.
Crews recently began work east of Montrose on US Highway 50, where an advanced liner with a projected 50-year design life is being installed inside aging culvert pipes. Six locations along US 50 from just east of Cerro Summit at Mile Point 108 to Cimarron at MP 112.3 will be addressed first. The project will conclude in August with the final repair under Interstate 70 near the Utah-Colorado border at MP 4.4.
This new liner technology allows crews to rehabilitate pipes without digging trenches or removing existing pipes from service. The process involves pulling an inflatable liner into place inside the pipe, which is then expanded to form a smooth surface that improves water flow and structural integrity. Most installations are expected to take only one day per site, minimizing impacts on traffic.
“Though often invisible to drivers, culverts provide essential drainage that keeps roadways safe and operable,” said Shoshana Lew, executive director of the Colorado Department of Transportation. “Several years ago, CDOT and the Transportation Commission worked to fund an initiative dedicated specifically to culvert repair, to ensure these vital assets are functioning properly for years to come. This innovative project is a direct result of that focused effort.” Lew holds her current position according to the official website.
According to the official website, the Colorado Department of Transportation works statewide overseeing transportation infrastructure such as interstates, U.S., and state highways while also administering grants for aviation and transit projects across Colorado (https://www.codot.gov). The department aims for integrated transportation solutions that enhance quality of life while meeting environmental standards (https://www.codot.gov).
The project will run from mid-April through August during weekdays between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., with motorists advised about possible lane shifts or shoulder closures during construction activities. For real-time updates or more information about this project or others managed by CDOT—which operates across highway maintenance as well as support for aviation and transit—residents can visit COTrip.org or contact CDOT directly via phone or email as listed on their website.
