US 550 & 14th Street Signal Replacement

About the Project:

The project will replace signals at the intersection of US Highway 550 and 14th Street in downtown Durango. It is in partnership with the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad where train track crossings and train signals will see upgrades.

Illustration of the new traffic flow where Southbound US 550 will have two dedicated right turn lanes and one through-lane to Main Avenue
Southbound US 550 will have two dedicated right turn lanes and one through-lane to Main Avenue

Work this Week & Lane Closures
US 550 & 14th Street

Project Facts

  • Construction Cost: $1.4 Million
  • Contractor: Morton Electric
  • Timeline: September to November 2024
  • Location: US 550 & 14th Street 
    • Nearest Town/City: Durango
    • Mile Point(s): MP 21.67 to 21.79
    • County: La Plata

Project Benefits

Improvements to the intersection include:

  • Ramps will be constructed in recognition of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at every corner of the intersection (Main Avenue, 14th Street and US 550)
  • Wheel-based modes of travel will see a smoother transition at the railroad tracks with enhanced concrete crossings
  • Pedestrian safety will be improved by removing the diagonal and north crosswalks; three crossings will be available at the intersection from US 550 to Main Street (moved back to the south on US 550), east-west crossing at Main Avenue and north-south crossing at 14th Street
  • Replacement of 30-year-old signal technology
  • Upgraded train signal for directing pedestrians and motorized traffic
  • Enhanced traffic flow (southbound) by having one dedicated through-lane to Main Avenue and two dedicated right-turn lanes onto US 550
  • New sidewalks and paved approaches

Work Schedule:

  • Working hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, with some night work
  • The project is scheduled to begin the first week of September and go through November

Traffic Impacts:

Motorists can expect the following impacts during the period of construction:

  • Single lane closures on US 550
  • A full-closure of 14th Street and Main Avenue in late October - alternate routes advised
  • 15-minute closures at night of US 550 for any overhead signal work
  • Refer to COtrip.org for real-time travel conditions and road closures