As part of the Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) U.S. Highway 160 Reconstruction Project, the Town of Pagosa Springs is making a $7.7 million local investment to deliver long-term infrastructure upgrades that extend beyond the scope of the state-funded roadway work. These Town-funded improvements focus on pedestrian access, modern lighting, improved drainage, fire protection, and critical utility reliability, ensuring that Main Street and adjacent corridors serve residents, businesses, and visitors for decades to come.
While CDOT’s project will reconstruct the roadway, sidewalks, bike lanes, storm drainage, and accessibility features along US 160, the Town has strategically coordinated its own investments to complete underground utility work and streetscape enhancements simultaneously, minimizing future disruptions and maximizing taxpayer value.
Major Town-Funded Investments and Costs
Utility Reliability and Underground Infrastructure – $1.65 million
- Sanitary sewer service line replacements – $1.4 million
Replacement of up to 40 private sanitary sewer service lines from the main to the property line (or just inside property lines), including new cleanouts. Although Town code typically assigns this responsibility to property owners, the Town elected to fund these upgrades to avoid repeated street demolition and financial hardship. So far, this decision has saved 33 property owners an estimated $35,000 per property in out-of-pocket costs. - Geothermal heating district line relocation – $250,000
Replacement of geothermal supply and return lines with insulated 6-inch high-density polyethylene piping, including a highway crossing at 5th Street to improve long-term system reliability.
Pedestrian Access and Streetscape Improvements – $1.48 million
- 400 Block sidewalk reconstruction – $475,631
Complete sidewalk replacement and widening on the north side between 4th Street and Courthouse corner, including new trees, irrigation infrastructure, and improved pedestrian amenities. - Middle School sidewalk replacement – $341,010
Full replacement of deteriorated sidewalks to correct drainage issues and improve safety, with Town costs reduced to $91,010 after a $250,000 Revitalizing Main Street Grant. - South 5th Street reconstruction – $473,732
New sidewalk connection to the Riverwalk, curb and gutter improvements, roadway reconstruction, and sewer manhole replacement. - Street trees and irrigation systems – $50,000
Installation of new mature street trees, irrigation lines, and infrastructure to support long-term streetscape vitality.
Lighting, Safety, and Fire Protection – $1.58 million
- Fire hydrant and fire line improvements – $895,000
Installation of new fire lines and 10 additional hydrants along Main Street and the 400 block to enhance emergency response capability. - Electrical work for street lighting – $325,000
Electrical service upgrades and wiring for new decorative streetlights. - Streetlight poles and fixtures – $310,000
Purchase of decorative streetlight poles with banner and flower basket brackets to improve visibility, safety, and downtown character. - Removal and replacement of streetlight foundations and conduit (CDOT-coordinated items) – $937,717
Includes new foundations, conduit installation, crosswalk facility improvements, and partial traffic control and management costs.
Drainage and Stormwater Improvements – $140,000
- Second Street drainage culvert adjustments – $140,000
Replacement and lowering of existing storm drain culverts on both sides of US 160 to interface with the new CDOT drainage system and increase stormwater capacity during large storm events.
Additional Roadway and Connectivity Improvements – $1.21 million
- Hot Springs Boulevard reconstruction – $242,115
- Lewis Street reconstruction – $186,523
- South 7th Street reconstruction – $218,643
- South 8th Street reconstruction – $364,761
These projects include new concrete road surfaces, curb and gutter improvements, and enhanced pedestrian connections between US 160, the Riverwalk, and adjacent neighborhoods.
Project Support and Community Access – $356,800
- Underground electrical conduits for future use – $46,800
- Town engineering representation – $100,000
- Temporary parking gravel – $200,000
- Signage and poles – $10,000
Total Town Investment
- Total project costs: $6.72 million
- 15% contingency: $1.01 million
- Total Town investment: $7.72 million
A Long-Term Investment in Downtown Pagosa Springs
By coordinating these improvements with CDOT’s reconstruction schedule, the Town is delivering a comprehensive upgrade to Main Street, enhancing surrounding corridors, reducing future construction disruptions, strengthening essential utilities, improving walkability and safety, and enhancing the overall downtown experience.
“These investments reflect the Town’s commitment to long-term infrastructure resilience and to supporting our residents, businesses, and visitors,” said Mayor Shari Pierce. “By addressing underground utilities now and enhancing pedestrian access and lighting, we are building a safer, more reliable, and more vibrant downtown.”