US 550–US 160 Connection South Project

Traffic Switch onto New US 550 - US 160 Connection May 29

What to expect:

  • On Wednesday, May 29, motorists will be navigating a new way to access US 550 south. Starting at 7 a.m. and likely ending by 5 p.m., project flagging staff and signage will direct all motorists to bypass the current US 550 junction at "Farmington Hill" and instead use the new interchange. Those wanting to access the southside US 160 frontage road businesses and neighborhoods off CR 232 will also use the interchange).
  • Getting to southbound US 550 towards New Mexico (starting May 29):
  • Those traveling from Durango or the west will use the US 160 eastbound off-ramp just east of the US 550 "Farmington Hill" intersection;
  • Those traveling from Bayfield or the east will use the westbound off-ramp located approximately ¾ mile west of Three Springs Boulevard;
  • Electronic variable message boards, permantent signage at the interchange roundabouts and flaggers will direct motorists;
  • When using the roundabouts, take it slow. Look to the left for a safe gap in traffic, enter the roundabout, signal your intended exit. If you miss your exit - don't worry! You can drive around the roundabout again.
  • Watch for further details - and check out the roundabout instruction video on the right side of this web page.

About the Project

The Colorado Department of Transportation began construction of the US 550—US 160 Connection South in late summer 2020—the final phase of the project to complete the region’s first full interchange. CDOT will construct this project using the design-build process, partnering with a contracted team led by Lawrence Construction Company.

The overall project scope involves constructing a new, 1.1 mile, four-lane section of US 550 north of La Plata County Road 220 to connect the major highway with the existing US 160 interchange, and widening a 3.3-mile section of US 550 south of CR 220 to four lanes, tying into the CR 302 intersection.

Project Benefits

  • By realigning US 550 to connect with the US 160 interchange in Grandview, the project will greatly enhance safety for passenger and commercial vehicles, as well as cyclists.
  • The new connection will eliminate the steep, curved grade of the current US 550.
  • This realignment will greatly improve safety by creating a full-service, continuous-flow interchange that eliminates signalization and at-grade intersections (including that at the base of Farmington Hill) where crashes can occur.
  • Safety will also be improved through the widening of US 550 to four lanes, with widened shoulders and auxiliary lanes for safer merges onto and off of the highway.
  • The project will increase safety through wildlife underpass crossings and deer fencing, which will reduce animal-vehicle collisions.

Work this Week & Lane Closures
US 550/US 160 Connection South

Project Facts

  • Budget: $98.6 million
  • Contractor: Lawrence Construction Co. and RS&H, Inc.
  • Timeline: Summer Summer 2020 to Spring 2024
  • Location:
    • Highway: US 550 & US 160 Interchange
    • City: South of Durango, near Grandview and Three Springs
    • Mileposts: US 550 13-16
    • Mileposts: US 160 87-88
    • County: La Plata

Work Schedule:

  • Work is expected to be completed in the spring of 2024
  • From 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday (most weeks)

Traffic Impacts

  • Motorists may encounter brief, intermittent stops near CR 220 and/or on the eastbound US 160 off-ramp just east of the US 550 junction for trucks entering/exiting work areas.
  • The main Grandview interchange bridge will remain closed until early December 2023, when it will be connected to a new roundabout to the south, and to the new US 550 north and southbound lanes.
  • The existing US 550 alignment down "Farmington Hill" will be removed in spring 2024.
  • For weekly updates on specific travel impacts, please orange box, above, titled "Work this Week &Lane Closures."