Travelers heading toward Gateway might want to pack extra patience next week. Starting Monday, Highway 141 will see fresh pavement — but that smooth ride comes with some slowdowns.
What Drivers Can Expect This Summer
If you’ve got Highway 141 on your daily route, brace yourself for stops. The Colorado Department of Transportation says drivers should plan for about 20-minute delays.
Crews will run the project Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., so rush hour won’t exactly be breezy. A pilot car will guide one-lane traffic through the work zone to keep everyone moving safely — at least, slowly.
One sentence reminder: leave early or find another route if you can.
Where the Work Will Happen
The resurfacing will cover about 13 miles, stretching from Larsen Canyon to Turner Gulch.
It’s not just fresh asphalt, either. CDOT crews will tackle guardrail replacements and bridge deck fixes, too — a full tune-up for one of the region’s more remote stretches of highway.
Locals know the road’s wear and tear all too well. Potholes and rough patches have made the drive bumpy for years.
Timeline and Budget Details
CDOT says the goal is to wrap up by the end of October. But with Colorado’s unpredictable fall weather? Well, we’ll see.
While the exact budget hasn’t been broken down publicly, similar projects in the region tend to cost millions. It’s a decent chunk of taxpayer money but keeps the road in shape for ranchers, tourists, and anyone heading out for a desert drive.
Here’s a quick look at comparable projects:
| Project Location | Miles Improved | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Highway 141, CO | 13 miles | Undisclosed |
| Hwy 50 Delta County, CO | 11 miles | $5 million |
One line of truth: you’ve gotta spend to keep those tires happy.
Safety First: Pilot Cars and Patience
Some folks get frustrated with pilot car operations, but CDOT says they’re crucial for safety on these winding canyon roads.
A local flagger gave drivers a few friendly tips:
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Watch for signage — don’t just tailgate the car in front.
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Follow the pilot car. Seriously. It’s not a suggestion.
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Be patient with flaggers. They’re just trying to keep you and the crew safe.
Nobody wants an accident adding more delays to an already slow crawl.
Plan Ahead, Beat the Backup
So what can you do? Bring snacks, cue up a podcast, and maybe take in the views — Gateway’s red rock scenery isn’t the worst place to be stuck waiting.
Or, if you’re not in a rush, consider timing your trips outside those work hours. Early morning or late evening runs might save you from sitting behind the pilot car at all.
The payoff: come October, drivers will trade 20-minute waits for a smoother, safer Highway 141.
