The U.S. 160 project team will return to the project Jan. 5.
With favorable weather, a smaller team of workers will continue performing utility upgrades during the winter “slowdown,” as the project will not be fully shutting down over the winter.
The full WW Clyde/Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) team will resume season two of full construction in early March 2026, weather permitting.
“While we recognize that the recent mild weather has impacted snowpack conditions, it has also enabled continued progress on the project. Construction activities have proceeded up to the holiday break, and a reduced winter crew will continue work after the New Year as conditions allow,” said Region 5 Program Engineer Kevin Curry. “We understand how impactful construction is and appreciate the continued support of the Pagosa Springs community and businesses. All the gratitude that has been shown to the WW Clyde and CDOT teams on the ground does not go unnoticed. We’ve enjoyed deliveries of doughnuts, lunches and special offers at many of the establishments throughout the community, and truly appreciate the kind gestures.”
“The town thanks WW Clyde, CDOT, Archuleta County, local businesses, organizations, residents and the Main Street’s Cone Zone Committee for their efforts to help soften the impact of this project on downtown businesses and residents. We appreciate everyone’s patience and encourage locals and visitors to spend some time dining and shopping downtown. By supporting our locally owned and operated downtown merchants, you will help them make payroll, donate to local charities and remain active in our local economy,” said Mayor Shari Pierce.
The following information is a snapshot of all the work completed by the CDOT project in collaboration with the Town of Pagosa Springs.
2025 project progress
Season one of construction included the following utility enhancements through a collaborative partnership with CDOT, the Town of Pagosa Springs and several utility partners:
• Upgraded and rebuilt water and sewer service lines from 1st Street to the Lewis alley.
• New waterlines to eliminate decades old, asbestos-lined pipes.
• Replaced fire hydrants with newer models.
• More than 16,000 feet of electrical conduit for upgraded streetlights and future technology services conduit needs.
• Geothermal lines replaced.
• Mapped all utilities from the 1st Street to the Lewis alley.
• Black Hills Energy (BHE): Advanced location of lines and relocation of facilities has been completed. Continued coordination between contractor and BHE for removal of retired lines. No further relocation work by BHE is anticipated.
• Lumen Communications: Installation of conduit crossing U.S. 160 at 5th Street.
• Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District (PAWSD): Replacement and installation of new water lines throughout the corridor.
• La Plata Electric Association: Retirement of overhead service line, installation of conduit for underground service lines.
Town 2025 end-of-year
construction highlights
As work continues along US 160 and downtown, the town completed several important improvements this year that support safety, accessibility, infrastructure resilience, and downtown beautification.
Improved lighting and
streetscape enhancements
• New streetlights were installed along the north side of U.S. 160 from 1st Street into the 400 block.
• The 400-block sidewalk received upgrades including new red-dyed concrete to help clearly distinguish the accessible walking zone (gray) from the streetscape “furniture zone” (red), where benches, street trees, trash/recycling cans, and lighting will be placed.
• Irrigation conduit was installed to support future street trees and hanging flower baskets along both the middle school frontage and the 400 block.
Downtown greening and
• New street trees were planted along the middle school sidewalk this fall.
• Additional tree boxes are now installed in the 400 block, with planting planned for spring 2026.
Middle school frontage upgrades
• The entire middle school sidewalk was replaced to improve accessibility, appearance and drainage.
• A new Mountain Express Transit shelter is now in place.
• In 2026, the town will also add benches, a bike repair station and new trash/recycling containers along this corridor.
Major underground utility
improvements
• Thirty private sewer laterals were repaired or replaced between 1st and 7th streets, significantly improving reliability for adjacent homes and businesses.
• Three sections of sanitary sewer mainline were repaired, including a full 120-foot replacement between 6th and 7th Streets.
• The town completed replacement of the geothermal district heating supply and return lines, running from the heat-exchange building under U.S. 160 to the Lewis alley.
• PAWSD upgraded key water line infrastructure at both 2nd Street and 4th Street to modernize the system.
Improved fire protection
• New fire water lines and fire hydrants were installed in the 400 block to improve fire response and protection.
Stormwater and drainage
improvements
• A new storm drain culvert was installed along the west side of North 2nd Street, connecting to CDOT’s upgraded drainage under U.S. 160.
• Related curb, gutter and sidewalk replacement were completed as part of this update.
Additional public parking options
Four improved temporary parking areas are now available at: The Springs Resort, the Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library, the southeast corner of 5th Street and U.S. 160, and the River Center. These lots help support businesses and visitors during construction.
What’s coming in 2026
In addition to CDOT’s continued U.S. 160 reconstruction, the town will be advancing several key main street and connecting street improvements in 2026. These updates focus on pedestrian access, lighting, drainage and utility reliability.
CDOT road construction
• Road work will continue into season two and will include physical roadway upgrades, removal of current asphalt surface and pouring of concrete resurfacing.
• Enhanced road surface: replacing asphalt with concrete for longevity — less susceptible to wear and tear under heavy traffic volumes; less prone to weather damage.
• Prolonging the road lifespan to require less frequent maintenance. Concrete requires less maintenance.
• Increase motorist safety with textured, skid-resistance surface not prone to black ice and brighter at night.
Harman Park Drive
intersection construction
This project includes an additional work site at the west of town at the intersection of U.S. 160 and Harman Park Drive/Piedra Road.
Enhancements to the intersection include:
• Removal of existing islands.
• Replacement with expanded islands to include ADA ramps.
• Installation of new sidewalks north and south of the intersection.
• Signal enhancements to include pedestrian count-down lights and push buttons.
Town improvements
Town of Pagosa Springs continued improvements will include the following.
Continued sidewalk and
streetscape upgrades
• The town will finish the full replacement of the 400-block sidewalk, completing the streetscape started in 2025.
• New streetlights will be installed from the mid-400 block through 8th Street, extending the improved lighting corridor downtown.
Drainage system improvements
• The South 2nd Street stormwater culvert will be replaced and tied into CDOT’s upgraded drainage system under U.S. 160.
• Additional drainage enhancements will be completed as part of the South 2nd Street and South 5th Street reconstruction projects.
Street reconstruction and better pedestrian connections
• South 2nd Street will be reconstructed from U.S. 160 to Hermosa Street, including new pavement, improved drainage, and a new sidewalk connection between main street and the Hermosa pedestrian trail.
• South 5th Street will be reconstructed from U.S. 160 to Centennial Park, featuring new pavement, improved drainage, sidewalk connectivity to the Riverwalk and a sanitary sewer manhole replacement.
Work on key access points to U.S. 160
• South 7th Street will receive a new concrete apron between the alley and U.S. 160.
• South 8th Street will have its concrete apron replaced to improve durability and access.
Ongoing water infrastructure upgrades
• PAWSD will continue significant water line improvements at the Lewis Street intersection, further modernizing the system and increasing service reliability.
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