Major traffic impact: Today, Monday May 4, crews will begin the excavation, utility work and paving of the dogleg, near the corner with the former courthouse, on U.S. 160. Traffic will be configured in a one-lane, alternating pattern (24 hours a day and seven days a week), and delays are expected. This operation is anticipated to take about two weeks.
Lewis Street: Utility work continues at the Lewis Street intersection with a focus on water and geothermal utilities. The crews will soon be connecting lines across U.S. 160 to the south intersection at Lewis Street.
The intersection closure at Lewis Street and U.S. 160 remains in place. Please utilize 4th, 7th and 8th streets as an alternative to access businesses along Lewis Street. With the access closure, left-turn signals have been extended at the 4th Street intersection; look for the green left-turn arrow at the northwest corner of 4th and Pagosa Street (U.S. 160).
Pedestrian crossings: With the new traffic shift there are several locations that no longer have pedestrian barriers where the sidewalks, curb and gutter have been completed. Please pay attention when traversing the roadway and use identified crossings.
The Lewis Street access closure will be in place until late May/early June.
Access to North 5th Street and businesses north of the intersection is available via 4th Street.
Why will the Lewis Street intersection take several months to complete? Where Lewis Street intersects U.S. 160 is one of the most difficult intersections the project team is working on. The underground utility work includes demolition and replacement of the geothermal, water and sewer lines from the bottom up. The Lewis Street intersection will then be built back with new ADA-accessible curb and gutter and concrete paving.
Pagosa Springs Middle School information
The Lewis Street and U.S. 160 intersection closure significantly impacts drop-off and pick-up traffic at Pagosa Springs Middle School.
Traffic and drop-off changes during closure
The designated drop-off location on Lewis Street has move from the middle school stairs to the stairs near the district office, closer to the 3rd Street intersection.
Please use 2nd and 4th streets for student drop- off and pick-up. Please use extra caution at 4th Street and Lewis Street, as many students walk through this intersection. Avoid 3rd Street, which is the designated bus route.
How you can help reduce congestion and keep students safe
We strongly encourage students who are able to take the bus.
Carpool with another family to reduce the number of vehicles near campus.
Students walking to school should use the crosswalk at 2nd Street.
Please be mindful of school buses and help keep bus routes clear so students can arrive safely and on time.
Stop before crosswalks, follow all traffic signals and put phones away while driving.
We know this closure may create some inconvenience, and we sincerely appreciate your patience and partnership in helping keep students safe.