The Colorado Department of Transportation and Grand County government have been in yearslong discussions for the safety improvement project on U.S. Highway 40’s Red Dirt Hill. These improvements are scheduled to begin May 12 and end late October.

Red Dirt Hill, a 5-mile stretch between Granby and Tabernash, is considered one of the most dangerous roadway sections in Grand County.

According to a Facebook post from Grand County government, work will include asphalt resurfacing for eastbound and westbound U.S. 40, shoulder widening, barrier and guardrail installation, new signage, striping, culvert and drainage work.

Drivers should expect delays during work hours, scheduled between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Speed limits during the work will reduced to 45 mph through mile marker 217 to 219.

During widening, two-way traffic will be maintained; during paving and striping operations, drivers could encounter alternating-lane closures.

Additional improvements on Red Dirt are expected to begin again in the fiscal year 2027. In 2024, the speed limit on the section of highway was reduced to 60 mph from 65.