Tunnel drainage improvements to US 160 on Wolf Creek Pass begin September 23

Travel Advisory

September 19, 2024 - Southwestern Colorado - Traffic will be guided by cones and signage through the bypass lane
US 160 Wolf Creek tunnel bypass lane located between South Fork and the pass summit with CDOT truck parked on the side of the road
CDOT Photo | During the drainage improvement project, motorists will be guided on the US 160 Wolf Creek tunnel bypass lane located between South Fork and the pass summit beginning next week and continuing through November 2024.

Southwest Colorado — The Colorado Department of Transportation and contract partner Williams Construction will begin drainage improvements to the US Highway 160 Wolf Creek Pass tunnel starting Monday, September 23. The tunnel, located between South Fork and the pass summit (Mile Point 174), will be closed throughout the duration of the project. Motorists can anticipate minimal travel impacts as they will be guided by signage onto the nearby tunnel bypass lanes. Work is expected to be complete November 2024.

The tunnel work zone is located on the east side of Wolf Creek Pass, approximately 10 miles west of South Fork and seven miles east of the Wolf Creek ski area. The purpose of this safety project is to improve drainage near the east entrance of the tunnel, reducing the potential for icy and hazardous conditions during the winter season.

“Over the past few winters, maintenance crews have noticed an increase in the amount of moisture on the road surface at this tunnel entrance. The new drainage system will divert water off of the travel lanes and reduce the frequency of icy or slick conditions,” said Julie Constan, Regional Transportation Director.

The project will update the existing underdrain system that runs in the center of the eastbound travel lane with a larger, improved drainage system. Crews will install manholes at both ends of the tunnel to improve maintenance access. Additional work includes the replacement of several concrete panels and the installation of delineators near the drainage structures.

Traffic Impacts

Beginning Sept. 23, work hours will range from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Traffic impacts will include:

  • Through November, signage will guide traffic onto the tunnel bypass lanes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Motorists can expect brief intermittent delays
  • Speeds will be reduced to 25 mph through the work zone
  • Traffic fines will be doubled in the work zone
  • Motorists should slow down as they approach the work zone, drive with caution, allow extra space between vehicles and give themselves extra travel time
Map of the US 160 Wolf Creek tunnel drainage work between South Fork and Pagosa Springs
Colorado Department of Transportation Project Map of the US 160 Wolf Creek tunnel drainage work taking place September through November 2024 between South Fork and Pagosa Springs (MP 174).

Project Information

For additional information about this project:

  • Call the project information line at 970-528-0186
  • Email the project team at: [email protected]

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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