Commissioners request additional safety signage on Highway 82

PRESS RELEASE
September 13, 2021

Garfield County has requested that the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) post additional signage close to the intersection of Highway 82 and County Road 154, alerting motorists that the nearby traffic lights are changing to red. The yellow signs read “Be prepared to stop when flashing” and a yellow light at the top flashes when the upcoming traffic lights are about to change to red, notifying drivers that they must be ready to stop.

“Additionally, it would seem appropriate to step down the posted speed from 65 MPH as well in the same area to better prepare approaching motorists that traffic control is ahead,” the letter from the Board of County Commissioners adds.

Also known as Old State Highway 82, County Road 154 is the right turn at the Thunder River Market traffic light when traveling southeast toward Carbondale on Highway 82. Commissioner Tom Jankovsky noted that Sen. Bob Rankin has also asked CDOT to install the signage at this location.

“There was a fatal accident there when a vehicle was rear-ended. CDOT told Sen. Rankin that it would be best if the signage request came from the local government,” he said. “The yellow flashing lights alert drivers that there is a red light ahead.”

The safety signage request was approved unanimously, 3-0.