CDOT, Railroad and City coordinate needed improvements at intersection of Camino del Rio, Main Avenue and 14th Street

Travel Advisory

September 10, 2024 - Southwestern Colorado - Motorists can expect single-lane and turn-lane closures on US 550, 14th Street and Main Avenue
The Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge train travels north through the US 550, 14th Street, and Main Avenue intersection
CDOT Photo | The Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge train travels north through the US 550, 14th Street, and Main Avenue intersection where work to improve the intersection, including railroad improvements, will take place from September through November.

Durango - The Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor Morton Electric began a signal improvement project last week on US Highway 550 at the intersection of Camino del Rio, Main Avenue and 14th Street. The intersection is also a train crossing for the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNGRR). The project is in cooperation with the D&SNGRR and was fostered by the City of Durango in an effort for all entities to improve the intersection concurrently, lessening the overall impacts to the traveling public.

“The 30-year-old signal infrastructure at this busy downtown intersection needs upgrading to better support interactions between pedestrians and motorists. Pedestrian safety at the intersection has been a growing concern due to blind spots, outdated signalization technology and non-compliant crosswalks,” said CDOT Regional Transportation Director Julie Constan.

Once the project is completed, changes in traffic movements will enhance vehicle flow at the intersection. Motorists traveling southbound will have one dedicated through-lane to Main Avenue and will be prohibited from making a left-turn onto East 14th Street. Southbound traffic will also be given two dedicated right-turn lanes onto Camino del Rio/US 550.

“Currently southbound drivers may experience delays and congestion at this intersection when the lead vehicle, traveling southbound onto Main Avenue or Camino del Rio, is stopped waiting for a green light to continue,” Constan explained. “The intersection changes will allow for more constant vehicle movements and enhanced mobility.”

Additional modifications of the intersection include the removal of the north crosswalk and location adjustments of the Camino del Rio and East 14th Street crosswalks. New sidewalks and ramp construction at every corner will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

A map of the proposed traffic flow improvements located near the intersection of US 550, Camino del Rio, Main Avenue and 14th Street
A map of the proposed traffic flow improvements located near the intersection of US 550, Camino del Rio, Main Avenue and 14th Street.

As an affiliate of the project, the historic D&SNGRR plans to enhance accessibility for wheel-based modes of travel by providing a smoother transition at the railroad tracks with concrete pedestrian crossings. Motorists and pedestrians will also see an upgraded train signal.

“We look forward to the improvements in vehicle and pedestrian traffic and its interface with our railroad crossing,” says D&SNGRR manager, Jeff Johnson.

The City of Durango’s coordinated improvements include repaving 14th Street and Main Avenue in the intersection. The work will occur after CDOT and the D&SNGRR portions of the project are completed.

Traffic Impacts

The project working hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Traffic impacts will include:

  • Motorists can expect single-lane and turn-lane closures on Camino del Rio, 14th Street and Main Avenue
  • In late October, a full-closure of 14th Street and Main Avenue will be required for work on the train signal and crossings
  • Nighttime work with 15-minute closures are anticipated when crews work on overhead signals
  • Alternate routes are advised
  • For real-time updates on this project and others across the state, please visit COTrip.org

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, anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions before hitting the road. CDOT and other 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!