US 550/US 160 Connection South

Traffic is Using the New US 550/US 160 Interchange

What to expect:

  • Motorists are navigating the new way to access US 550 south. Those accessing the southside US 160 frontage road businesses and neighborhoods off CR 232 are also using the interchange.
  • Getting to southbound US 550 towards New Mexico:
    • Those traveling from Durango or the west will use the US 160 eastbound off-ramp just east of the US 550 "Farmington Hill" intersection;
    • Those traveling from Bayfield or the east will use the westbound off-ramp located approximately three-quarters mile west of Three Springs Boulevard;
    • Electronic variable message boards, permanent signage at the interchange roundabouts and flaggers will direct motorists;
    • When using the roundabouts, take it slow. Look to the left for a safe gap in traffic, enter the roundabout, signal your intended exit. If you miss your exit - don't worry! You can drive around the roundabout again.
    • Check out the roundabout instruction video on the right side of this web page.

About the Project

The Colorado Department of Transportation began construction of the US 550/US 160 Connection South in late summer 2020—the final phase of the project to complete the region’s first full interchange. CDOT will construct this project using the design-build process, partnering with a contracted team led by Lawrence Construction Company.

The overall project scope involves constructing a new, 1.1 mile, four-lane section of US 550 north of La Plata County Road 220 to connect the major highway with the existing US 160 interchange, and widening a 3.3-mile section of US 550 south of CR 220 to four lanes, tying into the CR 302 intersection.

Project Benefits

  • By realigning US 550 to connect with the US 160 interchange in Grandview, the project will greatly enhance safety for passenger and commercial vehicles, as well as cyclists.
  • The new connection will eliminate the steep, curved grade of the current US 550.
  • This realignment will greatly improve safety by creating a full-service, continuous-flow interchange that eliminates signalization and at-grade intersections (including that at the base of Farmington Hill) where crashes can occur.
  • Safety will also be improved through the widening of US 550 to four lanes, with widened shoulders and auxiliary lanes for safer merges onto and off of the highway.
  • The project will increase safety through wildlife underpass crossings and deer fencing, which will reduce animal-vehicle collisions.

Work this Week & Lane Closures
US 550/US 160 Connection South

Project Facts

  • Budget: $98.6 million
  • Contractor: Lawrence Construction Company and RS&H, Inc.
  • Timeline: Summer 2020 to Fall 2024
  • Location:
    • Highway: US 550 & US 160 Interchange
    • City: South of Durango, near Grandview and Three Springs
    • Mile points: 
      • US 550: MP 13 to 16
      • US 160: MP 87 to 88
    • County: La Plata

Work Schedule:

  • Work is expected to be completed in the fall of 2024
  • From 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday (most weeks)

Traffic Impacts

  • Traffic may be reduced to a single lane in each direction in various work areas along the new US 550 four-lane alignment, allowing trucks entering/exiting work areas
  • The speed limit remains reduced to 40 mph, and travel delays are minimal
  • For weekly updates on specific travel impacts, please select the orange box, above, titled "Work this Week & Lane Closures"