Frequently Asked Questions
The US Highway 160 corridor has been identified as a strategic corridor and the main east-west artery in southwest Colorado by the Colorado Transportation Commission. The Elmore’s East Segment of US 160, between Durango and Bayfield was identified by CDOT Region 5 and southwestern Colorado planning stakeholders as the next priority area. Stakeholders include: the Southwest Transportation Planning Region, Southwest Colorado Council of Governments, La PLata County, Southern Ute Indian Tribe, and Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado. Additionally, improving US 160 between Durango and Bayfield is a crucial part of implementing the vision detailed in the 2006 Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS).
In 2024, CDOT was awarded $59 million in US Department of Transportation Infrastructure for Rebuilding America grant funds to complete this project. Additional funding sources include CDOT’s Bridge Enterprise Program, CDOT’s FASTER Safety Program, SB21-260, Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) and National Highway Freight Program (NHFP).
- $59 Million (Grant Funds) - US Department of Transportation Infrastructure for Rebuilding America
- $52 Million (State and Federal Funds) - SB21-260, FASTER, and Bridge Enterprise
At this time, the project plans are conceptual renderings of the preferred highway improvements and cannot be shared publicly. The designs are subject to additional modifications as the planning process continues and a contractor is hired.
Construction is planned to begin in 2027, spanning three construction seasons (2027 to 2030).
In 2021, CDOT presented findings of an intersection concept study to the La Plata County Board of Commissioners and a roundabout was identified as the preferred solution; however, alternative intersection designs will continue to be evaluated based on safety improvements, environmental impacts and cost effectiveness.
- Can heavy trucks and livestock haulers navigate through a roundabout?
The circle and curb in the center of the roundabout would be built with a truck apron. Truck aprons are designed to allow the wheels of an oversized vehicle to ride over the raised curb or apron. Truck aprons also support the weight of large trucks and help long vehicles turn safely through roundabouts. CDOT has successfully designed roundabouts throughout the state that allow heavy trucks and livestock haulers to navigate them safely. - What about vehicles coming off the hill with speed and also descending into a barrier type element in inclement weather?
Approaches on US 160 will be redesigned on the east and west sides of the CR 225 intersection to slow down traffic as drivers approach the roundabout. Some additional improvements will include advanced signage and lighting that will alert traffic that they are approaching a different highway configuration. Vehicles will be slowed down well before they reach the yield area of the roundabout. Also there will be climbing and passing lane opportunities on either side of the intersection as vehicles increase speeds. - How will the improvements affect traffic flow along this stretch which is already greatly slowed by morning and evening commuters?
The planned project is expected to improve traffic flow at this intersection. Currently, drivers of vehicles attempting to turn from the county road onto US 160, especially at peak commuter hours, have difficulty turning onto the highway safely. The planned design of a roundabout is expected to reduce the possibility of injury and fatal crashes and is much safer than a stop controlled or signalized intersection.
Approximately one month prior to construction, the general public will be able to visit the project’s website, subscribe to the project email list and contact the assigned public information manager. Traffic impacts will be updated on a weekly basis through the duration of construction.
