The Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction Co. will resume construction of wildlife infrastructure this spring on U.S. Highway 160 and Colorado Highway 151 near Chimney Rock National Monument and Lake Capote, CDOT announced this week.
Efforts to build a wildlife underpass and overpass began in March, spanning a stretch of highway within a migratory corridor for mule deer and elk about 13 miles west of Pagosa Springs and 37 miles east of Durango.
In early April, crews will focus on the overpass. Concrete forms were set over the highway in fall, and crews will work to complete sidewalls and slopes for animal access.
“Wildlife-vehicle collisions make up more than 60% of crashes in this area,” said CODT Regional Transportation Director Julie Constan. “This $11.3 dollar project is expected to reduce those collisions by at least 80%.”
CDOT has already photographed animals using the underpass.
At the intersection of Colorado 151, crews placed a deer guard, improved turn lanes, extended passing lanes and repaved U.S. 160.
Daytime work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Fifteen-minute delays are expected, CDOT said. Speeds will be reduced to 30 mph in the work zone. The work is anticipated to go through the month of June, weather permitting.
The project hotline is 970-903-4004.
