US 160 Wildlife Crossings - La Plata & Archuleta Counties

About the Project:

The main goal of the project is constructing a new wildlife mitigation structures. Other construction includes improvements to the highway and intersection. The is located approximately 13 miles west of Pagosa Springs and 37 miles east of Durango (MM 126-128). New safety features for motorists and animals will include: 

• Wildlife underpass 
• Wildlife overpass 
• 8-foot-tall exclusion fence along both sides of US 160
• Earthen escape ramps and deer guards 
• Extension of the existing westbound passing lane on US 160
• Construction of a left-turn acceleration lane on US 160 at the CO 151 intersection
• Pavement resurfacing along a two mile stretch of US 160

VIEW THE PROJECT VIDEO

This past week's full overnight closures on US 160 resulted in the placement of 25 pre-cast concrete forms set into place over the roadway. This structure will become a big game wildlife crossing once completed later this year.

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Work Schedule

• Daytime work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• The project is expected to last into late fall. 

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Traffic Impacts

•  A temporary signal will be installed to facilitate the completion of phase one of the underpass, reducing vehicles to a single-lane and alternating traffic intermittently in either direction.
• Fifteen-minute delays are expected.
• Speeds will be reduced to 30 mph in the work zone.
• Advance public notice will be given for night work to take place for the construction of the overpass requiring a full shutdown of US 160 for approximately five nights. Alternate routes are advised.