Construction to improve the surface of East Animas Road (County Road 250) started Monday and could slow traffic for 2½ weeks.
The 5.5 mile asphalt overlay project will extend from Hidden Falls Lane to Trimble Lane (County Road 252).
The county expects to spend $1.625 million on the project to address its condition and upgrade its structural integrity, county spokeswoman Megan Graham said in an email to The Durango Herald.
“The project was prioritized based on a road study that considers a road’s condition and the number of average daily trips that occur on the road,” she said.
The county is not widening the road or adding shoulders because it would require right-of-way acquisition and significant investment to address ditch and slope issues. A comprehensive rebuild of the road would bring the cost of the project to $2 million per mile, Graham said.
Crews with Elam Construction will work on the road from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday until Oct. 9.
Traffic may be reduced to one lane while work is in progress. Drivers should anticipate delays of up to 10 minutes; however, every attempt will be made to keep traffic flowing smoothly.
Motorists are encouraged to allow a little extra time and to drive with caution through the work zone.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
This story has been updated to correct the cost of a comprehensive rebuild of the road.
