The Colorado Department of Transportation announced on March 17 that it will start a resurfacing project along US Highway 160 from Elmore’s Corner to the Durango High Bridge, beginning March 23. Much of the work is scheduled for nighttime hours in order to reduce traffic disruptions, with completion expected in November.
The project will cover about six miles between Elmore’s Corner at the Colorado Highway 172 intersection and the Durango High Bridge just north of Walmart. Planned improvements include highway resurfacing, new striping, installation of delineators and guardrails, replacement of road signs, and construction of new pedestrian ramps and crosswalks compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act at several intersections.
“US 160 from Elmore’s Corner to High Bridge serves as a vital corridor for Durango and southwestern Colorado,” said CDOT Regional Transportation Director Julie Constan. “This highway is essential for everyday travel, tourism access and regional connectivity. The improvements will help to accommodate increases in traffic volumes and enhance roadway reliability.”
Initial work will focus on curb reconstruction at Elmore’s Corner before moving west toward Durango. The final phase includes deck repairs and resurfacing on the High Bridge. Additional tasks involve drainage repairs at the concrete median south of Home Depot to old Farmington Hill, as well as settlement repairs and resurfacing on exit ramps at Grandview Interchange.
The department said that new asphalt is expected to extend the life span of the highway by providing a smoother surface that resists ruts and damage. New guardrails meeting updated safety standards are designed to better keep vehicles on the road.
According to the official website, Shoshana Lew serves as executive director for CDOT. The agency oversees transportation infrastructure across Colorado as outlined by its official site and builds or maintains interstates, U.S., and state highways while administering grants for aviation or transit according to its website. CDOT also operates within transportation sectors focusing on highway maintenance along with support for aviation or transit as per its official site. The department aims to deliver an effective multi-modal system that safely transports people, goods, and information while improving quality of life statewide according to its website.
