Photo: PSCDC executive director Emily Lashbrooke invites the business owners and managers to participate in an online survey related to the downtown highway reconstruction project. February 13, 2024.
We had heard from a couple of Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) engineers at the February 13 ‘Cone Zone Care Team’ gathering at Riff Raff Brewing on February 13. The audience consisted mainly of downtown business owners and managers.
We had heard that the reconstruction project through downtown Pagosa would last two years, with winter breaks. Maybe more?
We had heard that CDOT had not yet advertised for a construction company, but that most of the planning, phasing, and scheduling of the project would be handled by the contractor.
We had heard that — if CDOT has its preferences — the contractor will maintain two-way traffic through downtown, for the duration of the project.
How about pedestrian traffic?
Engineer Kevin Curry:
“We’re going to maintain pedestrian traffic, because we know, obviously, that’s the access to your businesses. So we will have that open for pedestrian movement, throughout the project. They will be walking around barricades sometimes…
Engineer Arthur Miller:
“Obviously, we will have pedestrian detours when we’re pouring sidewalks. So hopefully we don’t get too many footprints in the wet concrete…” He laughed. “But through this time, it’s definitely difficult, and the communication piece is critical.
Lisa Schwantes, Regional Communications Manager for CDOT Region 5:
“I’m happy to see so many familiar and friendly faces in the room. Just to echo what these fellows have said, we are really, really looking forward to open communication. Lots of communication coming out to you. It’s a two-way street, so once we hire the project management team, to see who we’ll be working with, as your public information specialist — we intend to have someone full-time in that position.
“I’m so excited that you all have taken the ball and started to run with it…”
Presumably, Ms. Schwantes was here referring to the ‘Cone Zone Care Team’ assembled by the Town of Pagosa Springs ‘Main Street’ advisory board.
“Lots of great ideas coming out, with community engagement, involving the schools — because it is going to be painful. That’s why we’re here tonight, to try and explain everything that’s going on with this project…
“Some of it is not going to be much fun…”
Like, perhaps, parking. That might not be much fun.
The CDOT team opened the floor to questions. Business owner Butch English asked about ‘incentives’ in the contract to guarantee timely completion. (No.) Dust mitigation. (Yes.) Installation of new geothermal heat under the sidewalks and street. (No.)
Are there plans for dealing with tourists in huge RVs? We already have a parking issue with large vehicles, he said.
Mr. Curry:
“You’re going to lose, temporarily, parking. There’s just no way to get around that…”
Mr. English:
“So, no allowance for parking outside of downtown? Maybe with shuttles?”
Town Community Development Director James Dickhoff mentioned that the Town is looking into ‘satellite parking’ possibilities, perhaps in coordination with Mountain Express Transit.
Mr. English:
“I think it’s crazy not to install geothermal [heating of sidewalks and streets]. We have an opportunity to lead, and tell a story about Pagosa Springs, and our use of alternative energy…”
Interesting idea. Unfortunately, the Town government has access, currently, to only 1 CFS (450 gallons per minute) of geothermal water, and it delivers all of it — all of it — to existing heating customers, to the Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership, and to the Springs Resort. We will also note that the Springs Resort is in the process of building 27 additional hot springs pools. Where will that geothermal water come from?
Shop owner Dallas Weaver asked about access to his business’ front door in the 400 block of Pagosa Street, if he is waiting for the new sidewalk to cure. Will pedestrians have access to his store? Considering that he makes the majority of his profit during a few weeks of the summer tourist season…
Mr. Miller:
“There will be a period of 36 to 48 hours when the access to your store will not be accessible… And obviously, the contractor will be coordinating with local businesses on those aspects… We want to make it as painless as possible…”
A business owner shared his concern that the RFP for the contractor has not yet been issued, and that the selection process will take several weeks.
“I’m worried about the timeline. [The McCabe Bridge reconstruction] got so delayed, started so late… I mean, what’s the point of starting this year, if it’s not going to start until August…”
Mr. Curry:
“It will start before August. And McCabe got delayed for a very good reason. The low bidder didn’t qualify. We had to turn around and go the the second lowest bidder, and that stalled the project.”
The business owner:
“So what if that happens again?”
We might assume, that CDOT would make sure a bidder is qualified, before assigning a project? But maybe that’s not part of their selection process?
PSCDC Executive Director Emily Lashbrooke objected to having a conversation about the McCabe Creek project delays. “Let’s not compare it to the McCabe Creek project. This is a whole new project and let’s stay on that topic…”
Another business owner:
“We’re talking about this project, and if it gets delayed… why start it in the middle of July, when we’re all in business? Start in April when we can. If we can start in April this year, then let’s do it.”
Mr. Curry:
“I can’t dictate that right now… It’s ‘congratulations, you got the job, now get to work.’ That’s how we run it.”
Business owner:
“Best case scenario? When does it start?”
Mr. Curry:
“April…”
Business owner:
“That would be great.”
At the conclusion of the meeting, Ms. Lashbrooke invited everyone to participate in an online survey, and share their concerns about the project.
The PSCDC ‘Cone Zone Care Team’ will hold another informational meeting on March 12 at the Riverwalk Inn.