With the first construction season on US Highway 160 wrapping up, a lot of folks are wondering: What was accomplished this year? What happens over the winter? And what will next summer look like downtown?
Your Main Street team checked in with the CDOT project team and asked them to walk us through the big picture. We’ll share their answers to the questions below right here in Cone Zone so you can quickly see what to expect.
Let’s start with a simple “big picture” check-in:
What major elements of the project have been completed so far?
We’ve made significant progress this season. Major underground utility upgrades have been installed. We’d like to remind the community that the utility work has been a huge component of this project, with coordination required by the contractor, Town (geothermal), water district, electric company, and others. Concrete paving (on the north side lanes) is now complete from 1st Street to 4th Street. Crews also completed curb, gutter, and ADA-accessible sidewalk work in key downtown blocks. The 8th Street intersection is slated to open before the team breaks for the holidays.
What are the key pieces of work still to come in the remaining phases?
The remaining work in 2026 includes completing concrete paving from the 400 block and Lewis Street to 7th Street intersection, completing concrete paving on the south side lanes, sidewalks, and amenities on the south side of Main Street throughout downtown. Additionally, intersection and pedestrian improvements will take place at the separate work site of Harman Park Drive and Piedra Road.
Next up: What Main Street will look like now that snow is flying.
Is work paused for the winter or are there any activities that will continue during the colder months?
The project team will break for the holidays from December 20, 2025 to January 4th, 2026. Crews will remain active and take advantage of good working conditions as weather permits. Winter efforts will focus on underground utility work between 1st and 4th Streets (on the south side) and other tasks that can be completed during mild conditions. This is considered a winter slowdown—not a full shutdown.
For the unfinished area across from the old courthouse, how will this look over the winter?
This area will remain in its current condition through winter for safety and stability. Final concrete work will resume in Spring 2026 once weather conditions are suitable.
When do you anticipate work restarting in 2026, recognizing the schedule depends on weather?
Full construction operations are planned to resume around March 1, 2026, weather permitting.
Will the new traffic configuration we see today remain through the winter or will it change?
The traffic pattern will remain mostly as it is now to maintain safe, consistent travel.
How will snow removal be handled through the project area in its current configuration?
The project team and Town crews will coordinate throughout the winter to evaluate snow conditions and adjust the removal plan as needed. Regular meetings are scheduled to keep Main Street clear and safe for drivers and pedestrians. See the snow removal plan in the image below for details.
Looking Ahead: 2026 & Peak Summer.
Because June–September are such busy months for our businesses and visitors, we also asked for a preview of next season:
What is the general plan for the 2026 construction season, especially June–September?
Construction will continue to advance block by block, focusing on efficiency and minimizing disruption. Please note, the time frames below may shift with weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances.
March–May : Work will begin on the Lewis Street closure, completion of the 400 block, and paving from McCabe Street through 4th Street.
May–June: Work will shift to the north side intersections at 3rd and 7th Streets.
July–September: Traffic will move entirely to the north side of US 160 while crews complete the south side intersections (4th – 7th Streets), finish concrete paving from 4th to 8th Streets, and apply the final asphalt overlay between 8th and 10th Streets.
How do you anticipate managing traffic patterns and lane reductions during those peak months?
As in 2025, lane shifts and closures will be carefully phased to balance construction efficiency with community access. The project team will continue to coordinate regularly with local businesses and emergency services to minimize impacts.
Are there key time frames in 2026 when impacts are expected to be more noticeable so businesses, residents, and visitors can plan ahead?
Yes. Expect the most visible work between March and late September 2026, with varying intersection closures and traffic adjustments during that time. The full construction season will remain active through fall.
Everyone wants to know when we’ll see the “after” version of Main Street.
What is the current target for substantial completion and final completion of the project?
The project remains on schedule for final completion by December 2026.
What major milestones should the community watch for in 2026 as signs of progress?
- Completion of the Lewis Street intersection
- A full traffic switch to the north side of US 160
- Progressive opening of blocks and intersections as paving and striping are completed
- Once all utility work has been completed, the concrete paving work will move at a more rapid pace
- Continued CDOT, Town, and Cone Zone updates to keep the community informed
Staying in the Loop
Main Street will continue to share email updates, social media posts, and timely alerts as needed so businesses and residents have current information in one place. Depending on the weather and the 2026 construction restart date, we expect to resume our monthly public meetings in February or March.
In addition to these local updates, CDOT’s project webpage and PIO contact information will remain active resources for the latest construction details and ways to ask project-specific questions.
Project Hotline: 970-335-9230
Project Email: Pagosa160reconstruction@gmail.com
Project Webpage: https://www.codot.gov/projects/us160pagosasprings