Intersection Improvement Project to be Completed in Downtown Salida this Friday

SALIDA—On Friday, Nov. 17, crews will finish improvements to the intersection of 1st (CO 291) and F streets. The work began shortly after Labor Day and involved the total reconstruction of the intersection. A full closure of the road to motorized vehicles has been in place from the beginning of the project per community input.

The intersection is scheduled to reopen for a short time on Thursday, Nov. 16 to work through the logistics and timing of the new signal. The intersection will close again on Friday until the final work and cleanup is completed at the end of the work day.

The improvements made to the intersection include several structural and multi-model upgrades:

• Curb extensions to shorten the crossing distance for pedestrians;
• Intersection reconstruction with concrete pavement and an asphalt overlay on the 1st Street (CO 291) approaches to the intersection to increase pavement life;
• ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) 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); and
• Replacement of the old City of Salida water line.

CDOT and TCI would like to thank the town of Salida, its residents and especially the downtown merchants for their patience and support of this project. While construction is never easy, the upgrades are focused on improved safety and efficiency for all users.