US 550 Paco - Billy Wildlife & Safety Improvements

About the Project:

The Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor FNF Construction, will make wildlife and mobility safety improvements to an 8-mile section of US Highway 550 bordering Ridgway State Park (Mile Points 109 - 117). The project work includes the installation of a wildlife underpass and wildlife fencing, as well as minor shoulder widening for construction of a southbound passing lane just south of the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk campground.

Project Benefits

• Wildlife mitigation features including an underpass, fencing, jump outs and deer guards are expected to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions by 85%
• Connecting 3-miles of new deer fencing to existing features will create an 7-mile wildlife safety corridor
• Vehicles will be able to pass safely with the addition of a southbound passing lane

Work Schedule:

• Construction on the project is anticipated to take place March - December 2024
• Working hours are 30 minutes after sunrise to 30 minutes before sunset, Monday to Friday
• Some weekend work is expected

Traffic Impacts:

Motorists can expect the following impacts during the period of construction:

• Lane closures and traffic shifts with single lane alternating traffic
• Narrowed lanes, width restrictions and reduced shoulder
• The speed limit will be reduced through the work zone
• Delays up to 15 minutes can be expected
• Refer to COtrip.org for real-time travel conditions and road closures

Work this Week & Lane Closures US 50 Widening

Project Facts

• Construction Cost: $7 Million
• Contractor: FNF Construction
• Timeline: March 2024 through December 2024
• Location: US 550
  • Nearest Town/City: Ridgway
  • Mile Point(s): MP 109 to 117
  • County: Ouray