Work to Begin in Downtown Salida After Labor Day Weekend

SALIDA—On Tuesday, Sept. 5, crews will begin construction to improve the intersection of F Street and 1st Street.

CDOT expects this work to be completed by the end of October. Normal working hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. In special cases, these hours may be extended. Weekend work may also occur.

Traffic Impacts

• Week 1 of construction: The road will be open with a four-way stop at the intersection.
• Weeks 1 and 2: Crews will work at F Street and 1st Street; and at US Highway 50 and County Road 111. Impacts for 1st Street and F Street will be more extensive due to the project's scope and the constrained space.
• Starting Monday, Sept. 11: Crews will close the intersection and detour eastbound drivers to 2nd Street and westbound drivers to Sackett.
• Pedestrians will maintain full access during construction.
• Business and parking access: Motorized vehicles will only be able to access businesses and parking within one block of the intersection (all directions). There will be one lane open in every direction up to 75 feet from the intersection.
• Alleyways: Alleys within the construction zone will be limited to business access only.
• Signage: Digital signs at the following intersections will inform travelers that downtown Salida is open for business: US Highway 285 at Colorado Highway 291; and US 50 at CO 291. Signs on CO 291 also will note that commerical trucks are not allowed in the work zone.

The Salida community, downtown businesses and city council members were given the opportunity to vote on different options for closures while the work was taking place—a partial closure with one lane of traffic and a longer work schedule; or a full closure of the intersection with a shorter schedule. Voters almost unanimously chose a full closure, which reduces the timeline and provides a safer work zone for everyone.

Project Work

Construction to improve the intersection of F Street and 1st Street includes the following multi-model upgrades:

• Curb extensions to shorten the crossing distance for pedestrians
• Intersection reconstruction with concrete pavement and an asphalt overlay on the 1st St (CO 291) approaches to the intersection to increase pavement life
• Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant ramps to improve accessibility
• Removal and replacement of old signals with corresponding above and below-ground infrastructure upgrades
• Short left turn lanes for vehicles on 1st Street
• Upgraded vehicle detection that works for both motorists and cyclists
• Motorcycle parking
• An exclusive pedestrian phase (i.e., all vehicular traffic signals display red while all-way pedestrian signal phase is active)
• Replacement of old city waterline

Project Benefits

• Curb extensions and an exclusive pedestrian signal will reduce crashes/the potential for crashes involving motorized vehicles and pedestrians.
• Left turn lanes will make the intersection safer and more efficient.
• Upgrades will make the area more accessible for people with disabilities.
• Upgrades will encourage slow traffic in the area for enhanced safety.