US 550 Wall Replacement

About the Project

This project consists of a wall replacement and rockfall mitigation on US Highway 550 between Durango and Silverton. The wall replacement will take place at the Coal Bank Wall at Mile Point 56.9 and the rockfall mitigation will take place at MP 59.3 near Deer Creek. The work zone is located between Coal Bank and Molas Pass. After slope work is completed at Deer Creek, a rock fall catchment barrier will be constructed.

Project Facts

  • Construction Cost: $3.4 million
  • Contractor: Myers & Sons Construction
  • Timeline: April 2025 to October 2025
  • Location: US 550 between Silverton and Durango near Deer Creek 
    • Nearest Towns/Cities: Silverton and Durango
    • Mile Point(s): MP 56.7 to 59.3
    • County: San Juan
Map of US 550 Wall Replacement project location from MP 56.9 to MP 62.7
Map of US 550 Wall Replacement project highlighting the three locations, including wall replacement (MP 56.9), rockfall mitigation (MP 59.3) and stockpiling (MP 62.7)

Project Benefits

The purpose of this project includes:

  • Improve the stability of the existing slope at Deer Creek
  • Replace a wall structure north of the summit of Coal Bank Pass

Work Schedule

  • Beginning May 12, work hours will range from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday with some Saturday work
  • Work is expected to be completed in the fall of 2025

Traffic Impacts

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

  • Between MP 60 and MP 56 traffic can anticipate two sets of traffic signals directing them to single lane alternating traffic through the work zones, 24/7 throughout the duration of the project
  • Flaggers will assist with traffic movements during daylight hours while work is occurring
  • Motorists can expect intermittent delays with holds up to 20 minutes at the Deer Creek location
  • Deer Creek Trail access and parking will be maintained to allow hikers to continue to use the trail
    • All trail users are encouraged to use the designated parking area at the trail head.
    • Travelers should not stop or park within any marked construction zones or staging areas
  • Material excavated from both sites will be stockpiled at a pull out near Andrews Lake (MP 62.7) and travelers will encounter trucks turning at that location
  • Speeds will be reduced to 25 MPH through the work zones
  • Lane widths through the work zones will be reduced to 11 feet throughout the duration of the project
  • Traffic fines will be doubled in the work zones
  • Motorists should slow down as they approach the work zone, drive with caution, allow extra space between vehicles and give themselves extra travel time
  • Refer to COtrip.org for real-time travel conditions and road closures