Chip sealing work on US 160 between Bayfield and Pagosa Springs is expected to begin next week.

Work on this section was originally scheduled to begin on August 14, but according to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the Chip Seal project west of Durango experienced weather delays between Bayfield and Pagosa.

“Recent monsoon rains have hampered construction progress west of Durango,” Region 5 communications specialist Adair Christensen wrote in an email to The SUN. “If the weather cooperates, the section between Mancos and Durango will likely be completed by the end of this week, and workers will begin construction on the construction progress east of Bayfield early next week.”

According to CDOT, about 15 miles of US 160 between Mancos and Durango have been repaved since July 29. The layer of chippings must harden for 14 days before the road will be permanently marked.

Once the Mancos to Durango section is completed, the agency said workers will begin chip sealing work on U.S. 160 east of Bayfield near Yellow Jacket Creek at mile 118 and move west toward Bayfield in 2-mile-per-day increments.

CDOT notes that there will be single-lane alternating traffic operations and a pilot vehicle, and the speed limit in the work zone will be reduced to 40 mph.

A travel warning advises drivers to plan ahead and expect delays of up to 20 minutes.

The agency points out that construction plans could change depending on weather conditions.

Driving through chipseal projects

According to CDOT, travelers are urged to:

• Drive slowly: At higher speeds, loose stones can fly and damage the vehicle paint and windshield.

• Increase the distance between vehicles: Keeping the distance between you and other vehicles will help reduce damage from loose rocks.

• Obey work zone signs: Be careful and considerate of the safety of workers when driving through a work zone.