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, 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

  • Nov. 3, 2025: Request for Qualifications
  • Nov. 12, 2025: Outreach Event
  • Nov. 13 to 14, 2025: One on One meetings
  • Jan. 8, 2026: Statement of Qualifications - Due 
Pre-Request for Quotation (RFQ) Teaming & Networking Event
(CDOT Project Team Presentation to Submitters)
Nov. 12, 2025 from 1 to 4 p.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton in Durango or Virtual
501 Camino Del Rio
Durango, CO 81301
Registration details are available at: Event Registration – CDOT US 160 Elmore’s East Design-Build Small Business Outreach
Map of the US 160 Elmore's East Safety & Mobility Improvements Project Work Zone
Map of the US 160 Elmore's East project work zone located between Colorado Highway 172 and County Road 223

 Procurement

Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

Letter of Interest Request (LOI) - Closed Oct. 27, 2025

Letters of Interest received for the US 160 Elmore's East Project

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.

 Other Relevant Studies, Documents and Records

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 studies listed below, please contact the US 160 Elmore's East Project team at 970-403-5342 or [email protected].

  • 2006 Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)
  • Modified Ultimate Design Considerations Report (MUD)
  • 160/LPCR 225 Traffic Analysis Memo
  • Preliminary Right-of-Way Roll Plot (Oct. 1, 2024)
  • Authorized Right-of-Way Plans (July 10, 2025)
 Proposed Milestone Timeline

Issue Request for Qualifications (RFQ): Nov. 3, 2025
CDOT Project Team Presentation to Submitters: Nov. 12, 2025
One Hour Submitter One-on-One Meetings: Nov. 13 and 14, 2025
Final RFQ addendum issued: Dec. 1, 2026
Deadline for industry inquiries to RFQ: Dec. 8, 2025
CDOT responses to industry RFQ inquiries: Dec. 15, 2025
Statement of Qualifications due date: Jan. 8, 2026
Notify short-listed submitters Feb. 23, 2026
Issue Draft Request For Proposal (RFP) Feb. 23, 2026
Final RFP Issued: Spring 2026
Proposals Due: Summer 2026
Industry Event for Short-listed teams: Spring 2026
Notice of Award: Summer to Fall 2026
Notice to Proceed 1: Winter 2026

 Senate Bill 21-260 Checklist

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.