Date for Lewis Street closure at U.S. 160 intersection changes to March 16
Posted
Colorado Department of Transportation
Due to emergency utility repairs on the northside of the 3rd Street intersection at U.S. 160 (Pagosa Street), the Lewis Street closure will now begin Monday, March 16. Motorists should anticipate traffic congestion and longer wait times on Pagosa Street while concrete barriers are being moved to accommodate the intersection closure.
Motorists and pedestrians should anticipate 3rd Street to be closed between Pagosa and Lewis Streets from Tuesday through Friday, March 10-13, and school traffic should plan on routing to 2nd Street. Drivers should anticipate slower speeds and routing around the ongoing utility repairs at the 3rd Street intersection.
Crews will close Lewis Street at U.S. 160 on Monday, March 16, beginning at 9 a.m. to begin demolition to start work on the underground utilities.
Motorists are encouraged to use 4th Street as an alternative to Lewis Street.
This closure will be in place until late May/early June.
Access to north 5th Street and businesses north of the intersection will be available via 4th Street.
Question: Why will the Lewis Street intersection take several months to complete?
Answer: 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.
Spring/summer construction season:On Monday, March 16, when the official 2026 construction season begins, additional work crews will be on site to complete operations at various locations throughout the work zone.
First Street and 10th Street will have flaggers positioned to aid motorists and emergency vehicles during construction.
Work will continue to be contingent upon inclement spring weather events.
More detailed traffic impacts will be shared weekly as we ramp up the 2026 construction season.
Pedestrian crossings:With the new traffic shift there are several locations that no longer have pedestrian barriers where the sidewalks, curb and gutter have been completed. Please pay attention when traversing the roadway and use identified crossings.
Pagosa Springs Middle School information
The Lewis Street and U.S. 160 intersection closure will significantly impact drop-off and pick-up traffic at Pagosa Springs Middle School.
Traffic and drop-off changes during closure
The designated drop-off location on Lewis Street will move from the middle school stairs to the stairs near the district office, closer to the 3rd Street intersection.
We’ve also outlined a recommended traffic route: please use 2nd and 4th streets for student drop-off and pick-up. Please use extra caution at 4th Street and Lewis Street, as many students walk through this intersection.
Avoid 3rd Street, which is the designated bus route. This map outlines the drop-off location changes and preferred routes for traffic.
How you can help reduce congestion and keep students safe
Ride the bus. We strongly encourage students who are able to take the bus.
Carpool with another family to reduce the number of vehicles near campus.
Students walking to school should use the crosswalk at 2nd Street.
Please be mindful of school buses and help keep bus routes clear so students can arrive safely and on time.
Stop before crosswalks, follow all traffic signals and put phones away while driving.
We know this closure may create some inconvenience, and we sincerely appreciate your patience and partnership in helping keep students safe.
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