The city of Durango’s project contractor, Ridgway Valley Enterprises Inc., has completed construction of the Safe Routes to School Needham Connect Phase 2 Project ahead of schedule.
This project improves safety and accessibility by calming traffic and replacing sidewalks and curb ramps on Columbine Drive from Cottonwood Drive to Clovis Drive.
A construction follow-up meeting will be held to provide landscaping options and a roadway reconstruction update at 5 p.m. Oct. 22 on the corner of Columbine Drive and Cottonwood Drive to allow for social distancing. Masks are requested.
Columbine Drive is scheduled for roadway reconstruction in 2021 from Cottonwood Dive to Clovis Drive. It will be funded through the 2019 half-cent sales tax. A representative from the city’s Streets Division will be present at the Oct. 22 meeting to answer questions related to the project. The Parks Division will install landscaping along Columbine Drive in conjunction with the road reconstruction project. Staff members will present landscape options to property owners who live adjacent to the new landscape strips during the meeting.
The Needham Connect Phase 2 project included installation of bump-outs along the length of Columbine Drive. Bump-outs are curb extensions that help calm traffic, increase safety and provide more opportunity for green space in the neighborhood.
It is illegal to park adjacent to bump-outs, and no-parking signs will be installed. Cars parked in no-parking zones at bump-outs are in violation of city ordinances and subject to fine. Needham Connect Phase 2 was identified in the Multimodal Transportation Plan as a high priority safety project. It was paid for through a Safe Routes to School grant ($350,000), a Transportation Alternatives grant ($552,192) and the 2015 half-cent sales tax ($1,297,808).
Those who are unable to attend the meeting or have any questions or concerns may call 764-5994 or visit www.DurangoGov.org/needhamconnect.
