Multi-day closure is expected on 14th Street and Main Avenue for improvements to railroad tracks at the US 550 intersection

Travel Advisory

Oct. 23, 2024 - Southwestern Colorado - Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and CDOT working together

Durango — The Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNGRR) in cooperation with the Colorado Department of Transportation and prime contractor, Morton Electric, will close 14th Street (east) and Main Avenue (south) at the US Highway 550 intersection. The full and extended closure is expected for Sunday, Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. and will continue for approximately 11 days, 24 hours a day including weekends.

Local residents and commuters are encouraged to seek alternate routes along city side streets and should plan for additional travel time. Businesses within the closure can be accessed from East 2nd Avenue and 13th Street.

The closure is necessary for D&SNGRR to improve the railroad crossing at the intersection. Improvements include installation of new track and placement of concrete at crosswalks over the tracks for a smoother transition for wheel-based modes like wheelchairs and bicycles. D&SNGRR will also improve and update the interface technology used between the train and the traffic signal needed when the train crosses the intersection. Paving the approaches to the intersection is the final task associated with the street closure.

CDOT’s project on US 550 began last month to improve safety where several modes of travel converge at one busy location. A new crosswalk configuration will allow pedestrians to access US 550 to Main Street as previously provided but will be moved further south for safer access. There will be two more access points for an east-west crossing at Main Avenue and a north-south crossing at 14th Street. The current diagonal crosswalk will be removed. Ramps will also be constructed in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at every corner of the intersection.

Additionally, updating the 30-year-old signal technology and reconfiguring lanes will enhance traffic flow. Motorists will see one dedicated through-lane to Main Avenue and two dedicated right-turn lanes onto US 550.

Outside of the full-closure schedule, motorists can expect single-lane and turn-lane closures on US 550, 14th Street and Main Avenue. Typical working hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday with some night work. For real-time updates on this project and others across the state, please visit COTrip.org.

Map of 14th Street and Main Avenue extended closures located at the US 550 and Main Avenue intersection.
Colorado Department of Transportation map of 14th Street and Main Avenue extended closures located at the US 550 and Main Avenue intersection. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and seek alternate routes along city side streets. Business access will remain open to local traffic approaching from East 2nd Avenue and 13th Street.

Project Information

For additional information about this project:

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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