I’m a Durango resident, mechanical engineer, and daily user of the Camino del Rio and 12th Street crossing. I walk or bike through this PHB/HAWK multiple times a day – often four or more – and it consistently feels dangerous. So I did some citizen science and collected my own data. If you'd like to see the raw data, graphs, or statistical summary, feel free to email erik.nelson46@gmail.com.
Over 35 crossing cycles, all recorded while I was actually using the crosswalk, I observed:
- 15 solid-red-light violations by drivers (about 31% of crossings)
- 94% of crossings had at least one driver either running a solid red or failing to stop on flashing red
- The solid-red phase often ended before a typical pedestrian could cross four lanes, leaving people exposed during the flashing-red phase
- Violations by USPS, Durango Fire, city utility trucks, and even a very late yellow by a police vehicle
This matches my lived experience: frequent hard braking, close calls, and being honked at or yelled at while crossing legally. Children and youth groups using this connection face the same risks.
The city’s own 2020 study already identified this as one of the most dangerous crossings in Durango. My on-the-ground data as a regular user confirms it.
A grade-separated underpass at 12th and Camino would remove this conflict entirely, improve traffic flow, and support Durango’s economic goals, its Vision Zero commitments, and preparations for hosting the 2030 Cycling World Championships.
We shouldn’t wait for a fatality. It’s time to fund and build the underpass.
Erik Nelson, M.E.
Durango
