Highway widening project begins in Pueblo West

The Colorado Department of Transportation is beginning a highway construction project in Pueblo West that could affect your commute.

CDOT crews are widening a section of eastbound Highway 50 from Purcell Blvd. to Wills Blvd.

“I think with the growth out here, it’s a little bit overdue actually,” Craig Jay said. He commutes on Highway 50 everyday. “The construction is not going to be fun, but I think it’s going to be worth it.”

Other improvements to the highway include modifications to the right turn lanes at McCulloch Blvd. and Purcell Blvd., intersection improvements at Pueblo Blvd. and Wills Blvd., storm sewer extensions and drainage improvements.

Normal working hours are scheduled Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The speed limit on eastbound U.S. 50 will be reduced to 55 mph between Purcell Blvd. and Pueblo Blvd., and to 45 mph between Pueblo Blvd. and Wills Blvd. Drivers

“It might make my commute a little longer at first,” commuter Joey Falbo said. “In the long run, it’ll be worth it.”

Drivers said they’d like to see the streets expand as the city’s population increases.

“It’s really busy,” commuter Josie Simms said. “There’s just a lot of people, and we do need it.”

Work is expected to be completed in spring 2016.