CDOT to pave multiple highway segments near Durango

Travel Advisory

July 20, 2023 - Southwestern Colorado - Motorists should plan for delays on US 550, US 160 and CO 172 beginning July 24

La Plata County — The Colorado Department of Transportation will pave various segments on US Highway 550, US 160 and CO 172 starting July 24. Motorists on CO 172 between Durango and Ignacio can expect up-to 30-minute delays. CDOT urges those traveling to the Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) to account for these lengthy delays in their trip plans. Motorists traveling along US Highway 550 north of town and on the US 160 frontage road near Serious Texas BBQ South will encounter brief 10-15 minute delays.

Additional paving and pothole-filling operations may occur over the next few months as time and weather conditions allow. Motorists are encouraged to visit COtrip.org to view current and future construction impacts.

The locations and paving dates include:

CO Highway 172 (July 24 - Late August): Paving operations will take place east of the airport turn-off to east of the US 160 Junction (Elmore’s Corner). There will be single-lane, alternating traffic Monday through Friday and some Saturday work is possible. Work hours will be between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. This work is part of a 16.7-mile surface treatment project that will impact travel between Durango and Ignacio through late fall. 

US 160 East Frontage Rd (July 24): Crews will pave a short section of the frontage road between Serious Texas BBQ South and the City of Durango Water Dock. Drivers will encounter brief stops and lane shifts Monday between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

US 550 (July 25 - 27): Crews will pave a portion of the highway between Hermosa and the Honeyville Store Tuesday through Thursday. Motorists traveling between Purgatory and Durango will encounter one-lane alternating traffic and 10-15 minute delays between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Durango Paving Operations Map
Paving operations set to begin next week will add delays to travel plans for motorists in the Durango area. Those traveling to the Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) will encounter full stops and up to 30-minute delays, for additional information view the project webpage: https://www.codot.gov/projects/co172-ignacio-resurfacing

Traffic Impacts

Plan for traffic delays at multiple highway locations in Durango and surrounding areas.

  • Expect one-lane alternating traffic and lane shifts
  • Drivers may encounter periodic traffic stops and delays
  • Motorists will be guided by cones, signs and flagging personnel
  • Highway exits and access in and out of businesses may be limited at times
  • 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!

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!