November completion of wildlife safety project marks the end of construction and traffic delays for US 550 corridor

News Release

Dec. 4, 2024 - Southwestern and Northwestern Colorado - Motorists can plan for a construction-free commute between Montrose and Ouray
Aerial view of the newly constructed US 550 Paco - Billy Wildlife & Safety Improvements project which borders Ridgway State Park and features a large mammal underpass at Billy Creek.
Aerial view of the newly constructed US 550 Paco - Billy Wildlife and Safety Improvements project which borders Ridgway State Park and features a large mammal underpass at Billy Creek.

Montrose and Ouray Counties — On Nov. 18, the Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor FNF Construction completed the US 550 Paco - Billy Wildlife and Safety Improvements project located approximately five miles north of Ridgway. This is the most recent of three US Highway 550 corridor improvement projects constructed between Montrose and Ridgway within the past two years.

“Since spring of 2022, CDOT has completed over $40 million in safety improvements along this heavily trafficked commuter corridor including over 22 miles of newly resurfaced roadway adjacent to approximately seven miles of wildlife fencing systems,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “Motorists who have patiently navigated lengthy work zones over multiple construction seasons can now enjoy a much safer and construction free commute.”

Corridor improvements since 2022 included additional passing and acceleration lanes, widened shoulders, dedicated left-turn lanes and intersection realignments along with features built to significantly reduce vehicle vs. wildlife crashes.

“It is common to see large herds of elk and mule deer along this route, especially during migration season,” said Lew. “Many of our recent improvement efforts focused on features that significantly reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions.”

Concrete forms were lifted into place to create a safe crossing for wildlife underneath US 550 at Mile Point 114.4. The wildlife crossing and safety improvements project located north of Ridgway was completed on Nov. 18.
Concrete forms were lifted into place to create a safe crossing for wildlife underneath US 550 at Mile Point 114.4. The wildlife crossing and safety improvements project located north of Ridgway was completed on Nov. 18.

Between Mile Points 109 and 119, 50 percent of traffic crashes in the last 10 years were wildlife-related. The 8-foot tall wildlife fencing systems will not only help keep animals out of the highway, but the jump-outs (earthen one-way ramps) will allow them to escape if they do get trapped. Wildlife are guided by fencing to the large mammal underpass located at Billy Creek (MP 114.4), a popular big game migration route identified in the 2019 Western Slope Wildlife Prioritization Study.

CDOT does not have projects planned for this corridor in the upcoming 2025 construction season. All three of the US 550 corridor projects are part of CDOT's 10-Year Plan and the $2.2 billion total investment being made to Colorado's transportation system since 2019. 

“As we continue to complete these types of projects, local commuters and visitors to our state will benefit from the improvements made to our highway infrastructure," said CDOT Regional Transportation Director Julie Constan.

US 550 Corridor Projects (2022 to 2024):

US 550 Ouray to Colona Resurfacing (Surface Treatment Asset Funding and 10-Year Plan)

US 550 Otter Road South Safety Improvements (10-Year Plan)

US 550 Paco - Billy Wildlife and Safety Improvements (10-Year Plan)

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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