In an effort to enhance safety and slow down traffic, the Colorado Department of Transportation lowered speed limits on U.S. Highways 491 and 160.
The changes are concentrated near Montezuma-Cortez Middle School and were inspired by “a recent school zone traffic study,” said Lisa Schwantes, CDOT’s communication manager for Southwest Colorado.
“Speed zones on the west end of Main Street that were previously 30 mph were lowered to 25 mph,” said Schwantes.
- Main Street (U.S. Highway 160) between Washington Street and the intersection of U.S. 491.
- North Broadway (U.S. Highway 491) between West North Street and West Fifth Street
“The combination of downtown traffic congestion, nearby schools and the convergence of two major highways makes pedestrians especially vulnerable to crashes along this section of roadway in Cortez,” said Jen Allison, CDOT traffic and safety program manager.
“We urge both drivers and pedestrians to be alert and use extra caution in this area,” said Allison.
Sometime in the next few weeks, “new flashing and high visibility signage” alerting motorists of the new 25 mph zones and associated doubled fines approaching the middle school at North Broadway and Main Street will be posted, said Schwantes.
Cortez Police officers noticed the reduced speeds on Wednesday morning, March 5.
“As you travel through Cortez, please be aware of these changes and adjust your speed accordingly,” a Crimewatch post from the Cortez Police Department reads.
“This is a crucial step toward creating safer roads for all users, including bicyclists, pedestrians, and drivers.”
Until March 31, community members are encouraged and reminded to review the draft of Cortez’s Safe Streets Action Plan, which identifies speed as the No. 1 issue on the city’s streets.
The draft is available online at CortezSafeStreets.com, and input will be shared with CDOT to help make city streets safer.
“Your input is invaluable in shaping a safer transportation system for our community,” the Crimewatch post reads.
