CDOT hosting public “Open Road” event ahead of US 550 connection to US 160 Grandview Bridge

News Release

May 2, 2024 - Southwestern Colorado - New roadway will connect to the Grandview Bridge later in May
Gulch A Bridge from the North
Gulch A bridge structure located on the new US 550 highway realignment

La Plata County - The Colorado Department of Transportation will host an event on May 9, inviting the public to drive and walk the new US 550 alignment before it opens to traffic. From 10:30 a.m. to noon, the public may drive across the Grandview Bridge, through the new Grandview roundabout and across two new bridges on the new alignment that now connects US 550 to the “Bridge to the Future."

Visitors will be directed where to park and then may get out of their vehicles and walk on Gulch A Bridge, which offers new and expansive views of the La Platas. Project team members will be on site to answer questions. Starting at 11:30 a.m. a brief event will begin on the bridge, with speakers from partnering agencies: CDOT, Federal Highway Administration, Southern Ute Indian Tribe, City of Durango, La Plata County and Lawrence Construction Co.

“We are looking forward to making this long-awaited connection, and we wanted to give the public an opportunity to view the new highway and bridges before it opens to traffic in late May,” CDOT Region 5 Transportation Director Julie Constan said. “Once traffic is switched onto the interchange, our project crews will begin the process of reclaiming US 550 down Farmington Hill.”

Additional project work items to be completed once traffic is switched onto the new alignment include:

  • Removal of the traffic signal and median on US 160 at the bottom of Farmington Hill
  • Finishing a new frontage road on the west side of US 550
  • Mammal underpass work on US 550 northbound side
  • Installation of weather stations and CCTV cameras
  • Installation of an electronic variable message board for northbound travelers
  • Signing, striping and mailbox placement

“This multi-year project will enhance economic vitality for southwest Colorado and neighboring states,” Constan said. “The newly connected interchange will ensure safe and reliable travel for vital goods and services to and from New Mexico and the Four Corners region.”

Timeline for Thursday, May 9

10:30 a.m. New highway alignment open to visitors
11:30 a.m. Listen to speakers on Gulch A Bridge
Noon Event ends

Getting to the May 9 Open Road Event

The event will be held on the new US 550 Gulch A Bridge, about one mile south of the Grandview Bridge.

  • All visitors must enter via US 160 and the Grandview Interchange at the north end of the project (near the Three Springs Maverik gas station)
  • Those traveling from Durango or the west will use the US 160 eastbound off-ramp just past Farmington Hill intersection
  • Those traveling from Bayfield or the east will use the westbound off-ramp located approximately ¾ mile west of Three Springs Boulevard
  • Event signage and flaggers will direct visitors to Gulch A Bridge
  • No entry from the south at County Road 220
  • After the event, visitors will leave the project by continuing south and exiting at CR 220, with help from flagging staff
Map of the "open road" event located on Gulch A Bridge
Colorado Department of Transportation map of the "open road" event located on Gulch A Bridge along the new US 160 and US 550 interchange between Durango and Bayfield.

Other Things to Consider

  • Please carpool with family, friends and co-workers!
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes
  • Bring a water bottle
  • The weather should be sunny and pleasant that day - wear sunscreen
  • For special accommodation needs, contact the project team by Tuesday, May 7

Project Information

For additional information about this project, contact the project team.