The US 160 Pagosa Springs Reconstruction project, managed by the Colorado Department of Transportation with contractor WW Clyde, is in its second construction season, spanning from March 2025 to November 2026. This $24.5 million effort replaces the asphalt roadway with concrete, upgrades utilities, sidewalks, and accessibility features through the downtown business district from milepost 142 to 144 and Harman Park.[4]
Recent Progress
Recent activities include milling the south side of US 160, known as Pagosa Street, from 1st through 4th streets, with curb and gutter removal underway. For the week of March 30 to April 4, crews initiated potholing at the Lewis Street intersection ahead of utility work, began underground water utility replacements there, prepared subgrade for concrete on the north side of the 700 block of San Juan Street (weather permitting), and started electric utility work along the north side of the 400 block for lighting.[1][2]
Current Impacts
The Lewis Street and US 160 intersection remains closed until late May or early June due to complex underground utility replacements, including geothermal, water, and sewer lines. This closure significantly affects drop-off and pick-up at Pagosa Springs Middle School, with designated access shifted to stairs near the district office and recommendations to use 2nd and 4th streets, avoid 3rd Street bus routes, and promote carpooling or walking. Alternative routes include 4th, 7th, and 8th streets, with extended left-turn signals at 4th Street.[1][2]
"Where Lewis Street intersects U.S. 160 is one of the most difficult intersections the project team is working on. The underground utility work includes demolition and replacement of the geothermal, water and sewer lines from the bottom up. The Lewis Street intersection will then be built back with new ADA-accessible curb and gutter and concrete paving."[2]
Near-Term Outlook
Concrete pouring is set to begin April 6 on the north side of the 700 block of San Juan Street, followed by the 100 to 300 blocks of Pagosa Street. Mid-April will see 24/7 work for about two weeks at the 'dogleg' corner near the old county courthouse, reducing traffic to one alternating lane with flaggers. Meredith Greene, CDOT public information officer, noted the push to complete heavy work before summer: "let us rip the Band-Aid off, please, so we can get all this knocked out before summer."[3] Motorists should expect up to 15-minute delays, periodic stops, and flaggers at First and 10th streets, with all activities subject to weather. For updates, call (970) 335-9230 or email Pagosa160reconstruction@gmail.com.[1]
Looking ahead, the project team aims to pave the entire north side roadway by late May, excluding sections near Lewis Street and the 500-600 blocks of San Juan Street, setting the stage for continued enhancements through the fall.[3]
The content of this article was computed by analyzing available sources.