The Colorado Department of Transportation plans to repave U.S. 491 from Towaoc to the New Mexico line in July.

The $14 million project will include a full-depth reclamation on the 17-mile stretch of two-lane blacktop, said CDOT engineer Mike Coggins.

"We're expecting to start after July 4, and Skanska will be doing the work," he told the Montezuma County commissioners.

Additional improvements are planned north of Towaoc. A left-hand turn lane will be installed for safer access into Woodies Convenience store for southbound traffic. Passing lanes will also be added along that stretch.

Part of a separate proposed plan for U.S. 160/491 is a major change for County Road 21. Pending successful negotiations with a landowner, CDOT is considering eliminating the intersection of Road 21 and the highway to accommodate for a northbound passing lane there.

"There is not enough room within our easement for a passing lane and a left-hand turn lane (onto Road 21)," Coggins said.

Instead of connecting to the highway, a cul-de-sac would be installed at the end of Road 21. Access to that neighborhood would be redirected to County Road B, where a left-hand turn lane will be installed and road improvements made.