Southwestern Colorado Culvert Repairs

About the Project

Approximately 20 culverts are being improved with a new state-of-the-art lining in five different counties, including:

  • Conejos
  • Montezuma
  • Archuleta
  • Chaffee
  • La Plata

The new technology allows for the trenchless rehabilitation of pipes while the pipe is still operational and in place. The liner is pulled into the culvert pipe using a special tool to inflate it so it takes out all the creases and creates a smooth internal surface.

Project Facts

  • Construction Cost: $1.9 million
  • Contractor: American West
  • Timeline: July 2025 to September 2025
  • Location: US 160, US 491, US 24, CO 17A, CO 145A and CO 172 
    • Nearest Towns/Cities: Buena Vista, Durango, Pagosa Springs, Ignacio, Mancos, Cortez and Antonito
    • Mile Points: 
      US 160: MP 114.19, 5.02 and 63.26
      US 491: MP 29.85, 39.21, 36.59 and 36.90
      US 24: MP 211.79
      CO 17A: MP 10.56, 9.19, 8.02, 7.73, 4.46, 4.25, 1.21 and 0.59
      CO 145A: MP 2.52, 2.31 and 3.12
      CO 172: MP 12.55
    • Counties: Conejos, Montezuma, Archuleta, Chaffee and La Plata

Project Benefits

  • New technology that has a 50-year design life
  • No excavation or trenching
  • Allows for the existing pipe to stay operational and in place
  • Takes less time with fewer impacts to traveling public

Work Schedule

  • Weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Some weekends are expected
  • No night work is anticipated

Traffic Impacts

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

  • Shoulder closures
  • One-lane closures
  • Refer to COtrip.org for real-time travel conditions and road closures