Sometime overnight between Tuesday, Nov. 11, and the early hours of Wednesday, Nov. 12, individuals entered the active construction zone along the 400 block of U.S. 160 and walked through newly poured concrete sidewalk in front of the Liberty Theatre and Galles Real Estate.
WW Clyde crews, working on behalf of the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), have been diligently pouring and finishing sidewalks along this section of downtown Pagosa Springs to reopen storefront access as quickly as possible. The project team has worked tirelessly with local businesses to coordinate short-term closures and complete the work efficiently ahead of the busy Thanksgiving holiday.
“This act of vandalism is not a harmless prank — it’s a costly setback,” said CDOT Regional Program Engineer Kevin Curry. “The damage to the newly poured sidewalk will require full removal and replacement, adding unnecessary expense and delay to the project.”
The estimated cost of repairs exceeds $10,000, including demolition, replacement and additional labor. Crews will now have to remove the damaged concrete and repour the affected section, diverting time and resources from other planned work.
Local law enforcement has been notified and is actively investigating. Anyone with information or possible video evidence related to the incident is asked to contact the Pagosa Springs Police Department at (970) 264-4151.
Entering a clearly marked construction zone without authorization constitutes criminal trespass under Colorado law. Acts of vandalism on state property can result in hefty fines, jail time and restitution for the full cost of the damage.
CDOT and its contractor appreciate the continued patience and cooperation of downtown businesses and the public as the project team works to safely complete this important improvement project.
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