Photo: One of the new light standards on the US 160 project. When complete, the project will have replaced 70 of these lights.
The project team, tirelessly working on the U.S. 160 reconstruction project, knocked off work early on Friday, October 31, to make way for the downtown Halloween festivities.
Crew members put down their shovels and heavy equipment to hand out candy and treats to trick-or-treaters.
4th Street and Hot Springs Boulevard: Crews plan to open the crosswalk on the northeast corner of 4th Street and Hot Springs Boulevard early next week for pedestrian access. The current crosswalk in front of Goodman’s will then close to allow paving operations to continue in the westerly direction. The project team will be working closely with Visit Pagosa to move pedestrian directional signage ac- cordingly.
The 400 block paving will continue this week.
Pagosa Springs Middle School: The sidewalk is complete in front of the school. Work will continue on additional features (i.e. planters and lighting).
3rd Street: The project team is working on the foundations for the pedestrian push buttons at 3rd Street.
Upcoming work
5th and Lewis Street: Trenching and installation of conduit will take place. There will be utility work, grading and road base in advance of paving opera- tions between 5th Street and Lewis Street through the end of the month.
The 4th Street intersection on the north side of U.S. 160 remains closed until utility work and paving are complete.
Lewis Street and the sculpture garden: Excava- tion near the Tennyson Sculpture Park and Gardens is continuing for geothermal utilities. Pedestrians need to plan for sidewalk detours around the work at this location for the next few months.
The Town of Pagosa Springs has several concur- rent 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.
Saturday work will continue on the project for the foreseeable future.
Watch Where You Walk
Pedestrian crosswalks are open at 1st, 3rd and 4th Streets. Mid-block crossings between 4th and 5th are closed, but the crosswalk at 5th Street will remain open.
Mountain Express Transit shared this important information about bus stops:
The River Center stop #18 has moved to 1ST St. and US 160 in front of the museum.
Bus stop #19, 2nd St. and US 160 has moved to 2nd St. and Lewis St.
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 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.
Stay informed and connect with the project
- Call the project information line: (970) 335-9230.
- Email the project team: Pagosa160reconstruc- tion@gmail.com.
- Visit the project website: www.codot.gov/projects/us160pagosasprings