CO Highway 151 full closure to begin next week  

The Colorado Department of Transportation continues culvert replacement work on Colorado Highway 151 with a 24/7 full closure set to begin on Fri., Oct. 13 at 5 p.m. The road is anticipated to reopen to motorists after seven days on Fri., Oct. 20 at 5 p.m. The closure points are located on either side of the project site, five miles south of the US Highway 160 Junction near Chimney Rock National Monument at Mile Point 28.  

With the seven-day, around-the-clock closure in place, motorists will need to use US 160 and CO 172 as an alternate route. Travelers are advised that a resurfacing project is also occurring on CO 172, between Ignacio and Elmore’s Corner, at the US 160 junction. Delays of up to 30 minutes can be expected on CO 172 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., depending on traffic volumes. Visit COtrip.org for CO 172 project traffic impacts.     

Traffic Impacts  

Motorists will encounter daytime and nighttime closures between Arboles and the US 160 Junction (October 13 – 20). Traffic impacts will include: 

• South closure point is located at MP 28.1, north of Old Gallegos Road 

• North closure point is located at MP 29, south of Cabazon Canyon Road 
• Do not attempt to bypass road barricades at the closure points 
• Travelers are encouraged to seek alternative routes and check COtrip.org for the most current road conditions 

Implementing a full closure of CO 151 will reduce the amount of work time and traffic impacts required at this location. Work includes the installation of two new concrete box culverts, rebuilding and resurfacing of the roadway and re-establishing proper water drainage in the area. 

In April, CDOT was alerted of erosion issues on the shoulder of the highway caused by heavy spring run-off in Stollsteimer Creek. Maintenance crews completed temporary repairs in May and permanent structures are expected to be in place by late November. 

Travelers are reminded that Chimney Rock National Monument’s Visitor Center and visitor services will be closed for the winter season beginning Monday, Oct. 16. Visit chimneyrockco.org for more information about the national monument. 

Project Information 

For additional information about the CO 151 Emergency Culvert Replacement Project:  

• Call the project information line at 970-661-2466 
• Email the project team at: co151emergencyculvert@gmail.com 
• Visit the project website at: www.codot.gov/projects/co151-arboles-culverts