US 160 Pagosa Springs reconstruction project scheduled to begin March 17

Travel Advisory

Feb. 24, 2025 - Southwestern Colorado - Public invited to attend a project open house March 3 in Pagosa Springs

Archuleta County — The Colorado Department of Transportation, and contractor WW Clyde and Companies, are scheduled to begin the US Highway 160 Pagosa Springs downtown reconstruction project on Monday, March 17, weather permitting. The public is invited to attend a project open house on the evening of Mon., March 3 to learn more about the planned work, project phasing and project schedule.

What: Open House - project information session
When: Monday, March 3 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Archuleta County Extension Building Exhibit Hall, 344 US 84, Pagosa Springs. View the map for directions here: bit.ly/40X66FL

Who: Representatives from CDOT and the contractor will be on hand to answer questions

“Over the past year and a half, CDOT has worked with and listened to the community as this project has moved forward.” said CDOT Regional Transportation Manager Julie Constan. “The collaboration has resulted in a balance between the critical need for this project and providing heightened attention to limiting impacts during construction. The project must adhere to special provisions such as restricted work during school drop-off and pick-up times, communication with emergency and law enforcement drivers, and awareness of traffic volumes in the busy downtown area during peak summer tourist season.”

Work Phasing

Work beginning in mid-March will include removal of existing striping, setting up concrete barriers on Main Street, then moving traffic onto the existing eastbound lanes (one lane in each direction). Two-way traffic will be maintained. Following the traffic shift, crews will excavate the existing westbound roadway surface and remove sidewalks, curbs and gutters. The first phase of the project will dive into utilities from 2nd Street to 8th Street. The utility work beginning in March will include replacement or enhancements to water lines, sanitation sewer lines, gas lines, geothermal lines, communications and electrical conduit, and storm drainage system.

Colorado Department of Transportation map of the US 160 concrete work zone in downtown Pagosa Springs between North 8th Street and North 1st Street.
Map of the US 160 concrete work zone in downtown Pagosa Springs between North 8th Street and North 1st Street.

Traffic Impacts

Anticipated traffic impacts beginning Mid-March include:

  • Motorists should expect delays through the work zone. In 2025, there will be two-lane traffic delineated to the south (eastbound) side of downtown while work is performed on the north (westbound) side. This process will be reversed in 2026. Motorists should expect closures as needed and periodic traffic stops in order to move equipment and materials
  • During inclement weather, project engineers will assess the roadway and work location to make determinations on work continuing depending on safety concerns for workers and commuters
  • Working hours are Monday through Friday, day and night, and subject to change based on project progress
  • Night work may occur at times during the duration of the project to decrease daytime commuter traffic impacts
  • Parking will not be permitted in the downtown work zone along US 160

Project Background and Benefits

The project will replace the current asphalt roadway with a new concrete road surface through the Pagosa Springs downtown business district. The work will be done over the 2025 and 2026 summer construction seasons with an anticipated completion in the fall of 2026. The project scope and benefits include:

  • Enhanced concrete road surface between North 8th Street & North 1st Street
    • Replacing asphalt with concrete will increase the lifespan and longevity of the roadway, requiring less frequent maintenance
    • Concrete is less susceptible to wear and tear under heavy traffic volumes
    • Concrete is less prone to weather damage

  • Pedestrian crosswalks with flashing signs installed near 3rd Street, 2nd Street and 6th Street

  • Improvements to sidewalk ramps compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act

  • A collaborative partnership among CDOT, Town of Pagosa Springs and local utility companies to upgrade and update utilities underneath the roadway

  • Increase motorist safety with textured skid resistance surface not prone to black ice and brighter at night

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!

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!