Colorado DOT constructing new chain-up stations for truckers

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will soon begin on a new project to construct chain-up areas for truckers and motorists near Alma and Grant.

The new chain stations will be built along Colorado Highway (CO) 9 near Alma and CO 285 near Grant. CDOT says that the new chain up station locations will be in close proximity to the locations where the chain law will be in effect.

The new chain-up areas will create a safe pullout location off the roadway for truckers and travelers to put chains on when the chain law is in effect, according to CDOT.

The locations for the chain stations are below:

• Grant Chain Station, southbound CO 285 from MP 208.8 to 209.4

• Alma Chain Station, northbound CO 9 from MP 72.1 to MP 72.7

As part of the project, CDOT will also install advanced warning signs and adequate lighting to improve visibility and wayfinding for the drivers.

The first phase of the project is set to begin on CO 285 near Grant. CDOT says that the project will be completed by July 2023.

The cost of the project is approximately $5 million.

“CDOT places a high priority on highway projects that help our commercial trucks drive safely along key corridors like CO 9 and 285,” said Shoshana Lew, executive director of CDOT. “It is critical that trucks chain up in winter events when Colorado’s chain law is enforced. Chain up stations provide a safe place for drivers to fit snow chains onto (or off) their truck tires.”

Construction on the chain-up areas will take place Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Most of the work will be conducted on the shoulder, but there will occasionally be flaggers on site to direct traffic.

You can click here for more information from CDOT on Colorado Chain Law.