Heavy summer rains extend completion date of US 160 McCabe Creek culvert project in Pagosa Springs

Travel Advisory

September 1, 2022 - Archuleta County - Additionally, paving operations set for next week in uptown area
McCabe Creek drainage area delaying the removal of the existing culverts and retaining wall
Significant amounts of rainfall have filled the McCabe Creek drainage area delaying the removal of the existing culverts and retaining wall.

Pagosa Springs - The Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor, Four Corners Materials, continue working on the McCabe Creek culvert replacement project on US Highway 160 and S. 6th Street in Pagosa Springs. Crews started back to work after the winter shutdown in April 2022. The project is currently 60% complete. 

Summer work has progressed at a slower than expected rate due to excessive amounts of rainfall in the 20-square-mile drainage basin located in the mountains north of Pagosa Springs. Within a 30-day time frame from late June through July, just over 8” of rain fell, the average amount during this period is 1.95”. This rainfall has filled the surrounding project area leaving crews unable to remove the existing 84” culverts and retaining wall that originally supported the old shopping center, previously at this location. 

The original project completion date was the end of September 2022. Weather permitting, crews are planning for the project to be completed by December 2022. 

McCabe Creek Traffic Impacts  

Daytime work hours range from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Vehicles should expect some travel impacts throughout the construction of this project and be aware of lane closures and potential lane shifts that may occur. The speed limit is reduced to 40 mph through the work zone.

McCabe Creek Project Information

For additional information about this project:

Paving Operations in Uptown Pagosa Springs 

CDOT will pave a section of US 160 in Uptown Pagosa Springs next week. The paving crew will work along a one-mile section between Boulder Drive and the Piedra Road intersection. Work will take place following the Labor Day weekend, Tuesday through Thursday (Sept. 6 - 8) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. 

Paving Traffic Impacts 

Motorists will encounter a speed reduction, lane shifts, and will be guided by flagging personnel and a pilot car. Drivers may encounter periodic traffic stops and delays. A speed reduction of 40 mph will be enforced through the work zone. Motorists should expect delays and allow themselves extra travel time. Watch for workers and their equipment, slow down and drive with extreme caution. This work is weather permitting.

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. 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!

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