US 160 Elmore's East Project | Preliminary Design & Planning
About the Project
This project will improve safety and mobility on a critical transportation corridor between Durango and Bayfield. The project will incorporate features to improve safety and mobility while accommodating projected traffic volumes. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2027 along a seven-mile section of US Highway 160 from the CO Highway 172 intersection, locally known as Elmore’s Corner (Mile Point 91.4 ) to Dry Creek near La Plata County Road 223 (MP 98). The total project cost is approximately $100 million. Current project plans include:
- Construction of a four lane highway with additional dedicated left turn lanes
- Improved intersection infrastructure at CR 225 and US 160 (Approximately MP 94)
- Two wildlife underpasses, including a bridge replacement, and fencing features along both sides of the highway
- Maximizing alternating passing lanes between CR 225 and Dry Creek (MP 94 to 98)
Schedule & Important Dates
- Timeline: 2027 through 2030
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Industry Outreach / Information Virtual Meeting
Date: August 6, 2024
Time: 10 a.m.
This project received $16 million in funding from Senate Bill (SB) 267 and SB 21-260. In accordance with the accountability and transparency requirements SB 21-260, the status of completed requirements for US 160 Elmore's East Safety & Mobility Project will be posted below.
Industry Outreach Meeting Presentation & Resources:
The project team hosted an update on the delivery approach for the US 160 Elmore’s Corner to Dry Creek Project on Aug. 6, 2024 at 10 a.m. The meeting included a presentation followed by an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. The presentation included an overview of the project and the alternative delivery selection process and recommendation. Design-Build Delivery was chosen as the most appropriate method for the project.
- Aug. 6 Construction Industry/Public Meeting PowerPoint PDF
- Aug. 6 Industry / Public Meeting Questions and Answers
- Project Delivery Selection Matrix
- Chief Engineer Alternative Project Delivery Method Recommendation Memo
All projects go through a study, environmental assessment and design phase to evaluate need and scope. If you would like to review one of the below studies please contact the Region 5/Southwest Colorado Customer Service team at 970-385-1423.
- 2006 Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)
- Modified Ultimate Design Considerations Report (MUD)
- 160/LPCR 225 Traffic Analysis Memo
Request for Letters of Interest: Fall 2025
Letters of Interest Due: Fall 2025
Request for Qualifications: Late Fall 2025 to Early Winter 2026
Statement of Qualifications Due: Winter 2026
Shortlist Announcement: Winter 2026 to Spring 2026
Draft Request For Proposal (RFP) Issued: Winter 2026 to Spring 2026
Final RFP Issued: Spring 2026 to Summer 2026
Proposals Due: Summer 2026 to Fall 2026
Notice of Award: Fall 2026
Notice to Proceed 1: Winter 2027
