The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and its contracting partner have launched a new technology for culvert repairs in southwest and south-central Colorado.
The technology clears the area around the culvert openings and then cleans the culvert. This is followed by the installation of a liner that has a 50-year design life. Liners allow for the trenchless rehabilitation of pipes while the pipe is still in place and operational. Most culverts will be able to be repaired in one day.
“Culverts are critical features of our state highway system that handle water drainage, creeks and streams flowing under roadways,” said Julie Constan, regional transportation director of CDOT. “Culvert improvements are absolutely necessary to lower the risks associated with water runoff and flooding, and to maintain safe driving conditions for motorists.”
Twenty culverts will be receive the new culvert liners in Conejos, Montezuma, Archuleta, Chaffee and La Plata counties. Work will begin on US Highway 24 south of Buena Vista, followed by Colorado Highway 17 between the New Mexico border and Antonito. Work also will occur on US 491 and CO 145 north of Cortez, CO 172 between Durango and Ignacio, US 160 and US 491, and US 160 between Mancos and Durango and between Durango and Pagosa Springs.