The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has shared the latest developments on two major U.S. Highway 40 construction projects in Grand County, issuing a weekly email update that outlines upcoming work schedules and expected impacts for local drivers. As part of the Memorial Day holiday observance, CDOT announced that construction crews will take a temporary pause on Monday, May 26, resuming activity the following day.

One project is located between Granby and Tabernash on a notoriously hazardous stretch of road known as Red Dirt Hill. The second involves a resurfacing effort in Winter Park aimed at improving road conditions and pedestrian access.

Red Dirt Hill Safety Upgrades Continue

CDOT is making significant safety improvements along Red Dirt Hill, a winding and accident-prone section of U.S. 40 that has long been a concern for both local residents and state transportation officials.

Although work will pause for Memorial Day, construction will resume on Tuesday, May 27. The focus will shift to preparing for road widening, with crews continuing vegetation clearing and excavation through the end of the week.

Motorists traveling through the area are urged to exercise caution. CDOT has emphasized the importance of adhering to posted signage, reminding drivers to “follow the legal posted construction speed limit of 45 mph” to ensure the safety of workers and fellow travelers.

This phase of the project spans from mile point 217 to 219 and includes a temporary traffic alignment that allows for two-way traffic, maintaining one lane open in each direction. This alignment will remain in place until at least mid-August, ensuring traffic continues to flow while key improvements are made.

In addition to widening the road, CDOT crews will resurface asphalt, install new guardrails and barriers, upgrade signage and striping, and complete culvert and drainage work to improve overall road safety and infrastructure durability. The full project is expected to be completed by late October.

Those interested in tracking progress or learning more about construction activities can visit the project website at CODOT.gov/projects/us40reddirthill.

Winter Park Resurfacing Project to Bring Lane Closures

Meanwhile, CDOT’s resurfacing initiative near Winter Park is progressing along a roughly three-mile stretch of U.S. 40. The project aims to enhance road surfaces and bring pedestrian infrastructure in line with current accessibility standards.

The work includes “milling old asphalt, paving with new asphalt, guardrail replacement and removing and installing Americans with Disabilities Act ramps on U.S. 40 at Blaze Resorts, Village Drive, Old Town Drive and Winter Park Drive.”

Beginning Tuesday, May 27, and running through Thursday, May 29, drivers should be prepared for daytime single-lane closures in both directions. These closures will be active from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., between mile point 229.6 near Vasquez Road and mile point 234, close to the U.S. Forest Service Highland Campground.

During this time, crews will be conducting sediment cleaning to help improve stormwater drainage and prevent road damage in the future.

For ongoing updates and project details, CDOT encourages the public to visit CODOT.gov/projects/us40winterparkresurfacing.

Together, the Red Dirt Hill and Winter Park projects represent a significant investment in the safety and longevity of a critical east-west corridor through Colorado’s mountain communities. CDOT continues to coordinate closely with local stakeholders to minimize disruptions while delivering long-term infrastructure improvements.

Originally reported by Emily Gutierrez in Sky-Hi News.