Durango and La Plata County Area Traffic Signals to Receive Upgrades

April 16, 2019 - Southwestern Colorado

DURANGO ― The Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor Bixby Electric started signal improvement activities last week at the intersection of US Highway 160 and CO Highway 172, Elmore’s Corner. The entire project is designed to upgrade this intersection and 18 other intersections on three different highways, including, US 160, US 550, and Hwy 3 located in and around the city of Durango.

Enhancements include new traffic sensors, traffic cameras for traffic surveillance, upgrades to traffic signals, and radio transmission improvements to the Intelligent Traffic System. This high tech system coordinates the traffic signals along the highway. As part of CDOT’s traffic signal capitol replacement program the upgrades are to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety.

The project also includes the installation of new signage. Just over 100 signs will be added, adjusted, or replaced, both to clarify traffic flow and increase awareness to pedestrian and bicycle traffic. The new signage includes new street name signs with improved reflective materials to increase visibility at night and add pedestrian safety warnings.

Bixby Electric of Albuquerque, New Mexico was awarded the $1 million dollar bid for this CDOT project.

PROJECT SCHEDULE & TRAFFIC IMPACTS

The project, which started on April 8, will continue through July 2019. The project will begin on US 160 at Elmore’s Corner and proceed to Hwy 3 and then US 550. Each intersection will take an estimate of 2-4 nights of work.

Right turn lane closures and four-way stops will be needed at each of the intersections while the traffic signal lights are being replaced. Traffic control flaggers will be on site to direct motorists through the intersection. At least one lane of traffic will remain open at all times, and business access will be maintained. 

Sidewalks will also be impacted at the intersections. Pedestrian detours will be in place to safely direct pedestrians around the construction zones.

There will be various sets of working hours for this project. 

Monday – Friday, all highways:

  • Daytime working hours are: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

  • During the day, there will be single lane closures on cross streets during non-peak commute hours.  

Sunday – Thursday Night hours:

  • Overnight on US 550: 7 p.m. - 7 a.m.

  • Overnight on US 160: 7 p.m. - 6 a.m.

PROJECT INFORMATION:

Those with questions or comments can contact the project team at:

Other CDOT resources include:

REMEMBER―SLOW FOR THE CONE ZONE:

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones; obey the posted speed limits.

  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.

  • Watch for workers; drive with caution.

  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.

  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.

  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.

  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.

  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.

  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.

  • Anticipate lane shifts, and merge when directed to do so.

  • Be Patient!

 

ABOUT CDOT: 

CDOT has approximately 3,000 employees located throughout Colorado, and manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway and 3,429 bridges. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of other agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments, and airports, and administers Bustang, the state-owned and operated inter-regional express service.  Governor Jared Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s inter-modal mobility options.