US 550 Cascade Curve Safety Improvements
About the Project:
This project is short in its time frame (50 working days) but is slated to improve safety on US 550 at the Cascade Curve north of Durango. The work will replace the existing guardrail with a larger permanent concrete barrier that is anchored to the highway. It will also wrap around onto US Forest Service Road 783, which provides access to Cascade Creek. Improving drainage in the area is an additional aspect of the project.
US 550 Cascade Curve West View
Work this Week & Lane Closures
US 550 Cascade Curve
Project Facts
- Construction Cost: $1.5 Million
- Contractor: Myers and Sons
- Timeline: September 2024 through November 2024
- Location: US Highway 550 north of Purgatory Resort at the Cascade Curve
- Nearest Town/City: Durango
- Mile Point(s): MP 50.20 to 52.40
- County: La Plata
Project Benefits
This stretch of highway has a steep grade and therefore requires extra measures of safety. Guardrails can operate to deflect a vehicle back to the roadway, slow the vehicle down to a complete stop, or, in certain circumstances, slow the vehicle down and then let it proceed past the guardrail.
Work Schedule:
Working hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday during the summer and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the fall/winter
Traffic Impacts:
- Travelers can expect reduced speeds and one-lane closures with an alternating traffic light directing traffic
- Refer to COtrip.org for real-time travel conditions and road closures
