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 
  • Mar. 9, 2026: Notice to Short-Listed Submitters
  • May 20, 2026: Industry Event 
  • June 16, 2026: Final Request For Proposal
  • Oct. 22, 2026: Proposals Due
  • Summer/Fall 2026: Notice of Award
  • Winter 2026-'27: Notice To Proceed
  • Spring 2027: Pubic Meeting
  • Spring/Summer 2027: Construction Begins
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 Resources

Letter of Interest Resources

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

Roundabout Public Meeting: Oct. 12, 2023 - Completed 

Issue Request for Qualifications (RFQ): Nov. 3, 2025 - Completed

CDOT Project Team Presentation to Submitters: Nov. 12, 2025 - Completed

One Hour Submitter One-on-One Meetings: Nov. 13 and 14, 2025 - Completed

Final RFQ Addendum Issued: Dec. 1, 2026 - Completed

Deadline for Industry Inquiries to RFQ: Dec. 8, 2025 - Completed

CDOT Responses to Industry RFQ Inquiries: Dec. 15, 2025 - Completed

Statement of Qualifications Due: Jan. 8, 2026 - Completed 

Notify Short-Listed Submitters: Feb. 23, 2026 - Completed on March 9, 2026

Issue Draft Request For Proposal (RFP):  April 27, 2026

Industry Event for Short-Listed Teams: May 20, 2026

Final RFP Issued: June 16, 2026

Proposals Due: Oct. 22 2026

Notice of Award: Summer/Fall 2026

Notice to Proceed 1: Winter 2026-'27

Anticipated Public Meeting: Spring 2027

Anticipated Construction Commencement: Spring/Summer 2027

Non-confidential One-on-One Meetings:  May 21-22, 2026

Confidential One-on-One Meetings:  July 7-9, 2026

Confidential One-on-One Meetings:  July 28-30, 2026

Confidential One-on-One Meetings:  August 18-20, 2026