Next phase is beginning for US 160 Wolf Creek Pass fiber optic project

Southwest Colorado — The US Highway 160 fiber optic installation project between Pagosa Springs and the west side of Wolf Creek Pass will resume work at the beginning of May. To date, 59,471 linear feet of conduit, manholes, and pull boxes have been placed between the ski area and Treasure Falls. The project runs for almost 30 miles from Mile Points 144 to 174.

The project is expected to be completed by November 2023, weather dependent. Work activity set for this construction season includes the installation of additional conduits, manholes, and pull boxes from Treasure Falls to Pagosa Springs. The fiber optic line will be installed into the conduit along the entire corridor. Foundations, signs, and various information technology services will be installed and placed into the service.

The fiber optic cable will connect with existing fiber that was installed in 2017 along a 16-mile stretch of the US 160 mountain corridor from Wolf Creek Pass east tunnel to the community of South Fork. The project will also include the installation of new and upgraded dynamic signs that will provide additional safety and warning messages to all Wolf Creek Pass travelers regarding road and weather conditions, lowered speeds, and the westside hairpin turn.

Traffic Impacts

Beginning in May, motorists will encounter road work on US 160 north of Pagosa Springs to Treasure Falls. Traffic impacts will include:

• Daytime work hours range from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday
• Vehicles may be reduced to a single-lane, alternating traffic intermittently in either direction, throughout the duration of the project. These lane closures, guided by flaggers, may have up to 15-minute delays
• The speed limit will be reduced to 40 mph through the work zone
• Traffic fines in the construction zone will be doubled

Project Information

For additional information about this project:

• Call the project information line at 970-363-5100
• Email the project team at: [email protected]
• Visit the project website at: codot.gov/projects/us160-wolfcreekpass-fiber

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:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
• Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
• See scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

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!

Download the COtrip App!

The new FREE COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!