The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will be conducting a speed study on U.S. 160 just west of Pagosa Springs from mile marker 137 to 138 later this summer.
During a work session held by the Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) on June 9, staff engineer Ethan Kegley explained the mile of highway for the study is from just east of Hersh Avenue and just west of Scenic Avenue.
Kegley explained that a resident living off Trails Boulevard reached out and is concerned about traveling east and west turning onto and off U.S. 160.
Kegley noted that he performed a site visit to gather measurements and assess the site distance around the curve on that section of the highway.
“And I would say it is indeed pretty dangerous,” he said.
Kegley also recalled an accident that occurred in the same area last summer that closed down the highway for five hours.
“Really want to kind of take that matter into consideration,” he added.
Kegely then explained that, according to CDOT’s traffic information, that area has an average daily traffic figure of about 12,000, with 6.4 percent (approximately 750) of that being “heavier vehicles.”
“What we want to do there is reduce that speed,” Kegley said, indicating the hope is it would drop from 65 mph to 50 mph.
He explained that the plan would be to change the speed limit “just about right” at Hersch Avenue going east on U.S. 160.
He noted that the speed study is only for the 1 mile, but suggested consideration of CDOT reducing the speed limit down to 50 mph all the way to “about Meadows Drive.”
Kegley added that the speed limit drops to 45 mph after that, “so that could be a smooth transition going from 50 to 45.”
Kegley then explained that CDOT informed him that the speed limit could increase as result of the traffic study, “which it probably won’t because it’s 65 [mph] right now, so, more than likely, its not going to increase.”
He also noted that he’s reiterated to CDOT that the county wants “to really increase safety there,” explaining the speed study will tell CDOT what exactly should be done in the area, but that “doesn’t mean we’ll automatically get that.”
Kegley clarified that he’s requesting to have the speed study conducted and submitted and “see if it’s feasible for them to reduce that speed” and go from there.
He added that the area could be patrolled with warnings given out during the first month of a speed limit change, along with notices posted on the county’s website, “and that’s only if this is approved.”
Kegley also emphasized that, especially coming from the east on U.S. 160, “it does seem to be pretty dangerous through there.”
In response to a question from Commissioner John Ranson, Kegley indicated that CDOT will pay for the speed study and provide all the necessary equipment.
Kegely then mentioned that driving west on U.S. 160 “could still certainly be problematic” as well, noting that drivers get backed up heading west when a vehicle is attempting to turn onto Trails Boulevard.
“I could absolutely see an accident taking place pretty quickly there,” he said.
The BoCC allowed one public comment during the work session from the resident who requested the speed study.
He explained that he’s almost been rear-ended multiple times while attempting to turn onto Trails Boulevard from U.S. 160 heading west.
Commissioner Warren Brown commented that with the water station on Trails Boulevard, residents are filling their water tanks and then getting back on U.S. 160, likely not at a high rate of speed.
He explained that he reached out to CDOT about five years ago requesting a speed study because of this, adding that most drivers know the speed limit jumps up to 65 mph and are already traveling “at least” that fast coming around the curve.
Brown added that CDOT was responsive in coming out to clear oak brush in the area to improve site distance, but that a speed study was never conducted.
Brown stated that he was “quite pleased” to hear that a speed study would be taking place, “because I really do think that this is problematic.”
Brown also mentioned that if the Archuleta School District ends up building on its Vista property, “we really want them to slow down up to that intersection.”
Kegely indicated that the speed study will likely be conducted this August.
>