Week of Sept. 2-7
Work activity
Concrete paving operations continuing
• 3rd Street to 4th Street/Pagosa Middle School: A project team priority is to begin the sidewalk construction in front of the middle school with school back in session. Sidewalk work will include subgrade and sidewalk base, constructing the forms, and then pouring the sidewalk. Work will also continue to complete any curb and gutter in front of middle school.
• Please utilize crossings at Hot Springs Boulevard and 3rd Street to navigate around the demolition. Use the pedestrian flags provided by the town to cross 3rd Street.
• Some smaller paving operations are anticipated to take place throughout the next few weeks, from 1st to 3rd streets, to tie into portions of the new pour.
• The majority of project paving operations will take place at night, which will reduce impacts to the traveling public. Trucks could start rolling in around 6 p.m. and continue until mid-morning on the following day.
• Curb and gutter and sidewalk paving may occur day or night. Pedestrian detours should be expected.
• The project team will be off the project on Friday, Aug. 29, returning on Tuesday, Sept. 2, in observance of Labor Day.
Work activity this week
• 1st to 3rd streets: Removing and preparing sidewalk, curb and gutter construction.
• The public information team will work to notify businesses when sidewalk work is scheduled in the front of their respective business. The crew is also planning, to the best of their ability, to pour sidewalk concrete on the days businesses are scheduled to be closed to minimize disruptions.
• 4th and Lewis Street: There will be utility work, grading and road base work in advance of paving operations between 4th Street and Lewis Street through the month of September.
• The 2nd Street and 4th Street intersections on the north side of U.S. 160 will remain closed until utility work and paving are complete.
• The Town of Pagosa Springs has several concurrent projects taking place in and near the U.S. 160 work zone. For more information, visit https://www.pagosasprings.co.gov/home-page/page/summer-2025-road-projects.
• Installation of light pole foundations is complete from 1st to 3rd streets.
• Installation of light pole foundations and electrical work will take place from 3rd to 5th streets.
• Excavation near the Tennyson Sculpture Park and Gardens is planned for geothermal utilities. Pedestrians need to plan for sidewalk detours around the work at this location for the next few months.
• Saturday work will continue on the project for the foreseeable future.
Watch where you walk and park
• Pedestrian crosswalks will be open at 1st, 3rd and 4th streets. Mid-block crossings between 4th Street and 5th Street are closed, but the crosswalk at 5th Street will remain open.
• Overflow parking lots are open at 323 Hot Springs Blvd. and 811 San Juan St. Other public parking is available throughout the downtown.
Mountain Express Transit bus stop information
The River Center stop, #18, has moved to 1st Street and U.S. 160 in front of the museum. Bus stop #19, 2nd Street and U.S. 160, has moved to 2nd Street and Lewis Street.
Safety tips for pedestrians
• Watch where you are going. Do not enter the work zone or climb over work zone safety barriers. Construction work may be fascinating, but always prioritize navigating the work zone as safely as you can.
• Pay attention to posted signs in the project area and follow all workers’ instructions. Cross streets only at open crosswalks or intersections; walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
• Be alert for moving construction vehicles and other unexpected hazards, which often move suddenly and quickly. Stay off your phone when crossing the street or walking near the work zone.
• Look out for traffic before crossing the street make eye contact with drivers so you know they see you.
Safety tips for drivers
• Look out for pedestrians and bicyclists everywhere, at all times, and especially in areas near schools, parks, shopping areas and transit stops.
• Slow down as you approach the work zone. Give workers extra room and be prepared to stop.
• Stop before a crosswalk, not in it.
• Obey all traffic signals. All light signals are operational and must be obeyed.
• Put your cellphone down. Never drive distracted or impaired.
Please be alert when you are traveling through the new traffic configuration or visiting the downtown businesses, as heavy equipment will be frequently moving throughout the project limits.
Traffic impacts
• Motorists could expect up to 15-minute delays at various times through the work zone as equipment may need to be moved.
• There will be two-way traffic flowing in the eastbound lanes of U.S. 160 through the first season of operations.
• A 10-foot width restriction will remain in place 24/7 through Dec. 1.
• During inclement weather, project engineers will assess the roadway and work location to make determinations on work continuing depending on safety concerns for workers and commuters.
• Working hours are Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and subject to change.
Stay informed and connect with the project
• Call the project information line: (970) 335-9230.
• Email the project team: Pagosa160reconstruction@gmail.com.
• Visit the project website: www.codot.gov/projects/us160pagosasprings.
• Subscribe to project updates: subscription.cotrip.org.
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