The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and contracting partner Elam Construction will begin a surface treatment project on April 29 along U.S. 160 east of Pagosa Springs, from Treasure Falls to the Wolf Creek Pass summit.
The project has an anticipated completion date at the end of October.
Motorists are reminded of an additional highway improvement project taking place 20 miles west on U.S. 160 in downtown Pagosa Springs. More information on that project is available at www.codot.gov/projects/us160pagosasprings.
The Wolf Creek Pass project will improve approximately 9 miles of U.S. 160 from mile point 158.5, Treasure Falls, to mile point 167.7, at the pass summit.
Work will include asphalt paving and overlay, rumble strip installation, striping, guardrail, and road sign replacement. Additional work will include rail replacement and deck repairs at the bridge located at mile point 159.3, just east of Treasure Falls, and a culvert inlet repair at mile point 165.8, just west of the pass summit.
“U.S. 160 is the major east-west route for local commuters, tourist traffic and freight across southern Colorado. The major highway, which includes Wolf Creek Pass, provides access from I-25 in Walsenburg, through the San Luis Valley, all the way to the Four Corners,” said CDOT Regional Transportation Director Julie Constan. “Wolf Creek Pass is known for its natural beauty and wilderness, but it can also be a treacherous stretch of road that requires planning and attention to safety. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution due to the steep downhill grades and hairpin curves that can be challenging, especially for commercial big rigs.”
Project benefits
The new asphalt will add years of life to this stretch of highway, which saw its last significant paving 20 years ago. The resurfacing will provide a smoother road and will add durability by increasing the resistance of ruts and road damage.
Other benefits of the project include installation of new guardrail that will be 31 inches high, designed to meet new safety standard requirements. The higher railing will help veering vehicles remain on the road more effectively, making the highway safer for the traveling public. The former standard height of guardrail was 27 inches.
The inlet repair is a continuation of a previous temporary repair completed when a sinkhole formed, causing damage to the existing culvert. Improvement of the culvert will accommodate higher accumulations of rainfall and lower the risks associated with flooding.
Travel impacts
Daytime work hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Traffic impacts will include:
• A speed reduction to 40 mph.
• The project will maintain two-way traffic; however, motorists will encounter single-lane closures and lane shifts.
• A 12- foot width restriction is in place for the West Wolf Creek Pass project. Important note: There is a 10-foot width restriction through the downtown Pagosa Springs project work zone. Plan ahead.
Project contact
information
For additional information, contact the project team:
• Project website: www.codot.gov/projects/us160westwolfcreekpassresurfacing.
• Project information hotline: (970) 456-1481.
Project email: resurfacingproject@gmail.com.
• Commercial vehicle information: https://bit.ly/4lQAhs7.
Know before you go
Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts, anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions before to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:
• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org.
• Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp.
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts.
• See scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures.
• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media.
