A section of College Drive between Narrow Gauge Avenue and the McDonald’s crosswalk will be closed for 10 days beginning Sunday as the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad repairs a section of track and updates nearby infrastructure.
The work includes installing a new crossing signal, replacing sidewalks and building ADA-compliant ramps, which will prohibit pedestrian traffic during construction.
Darren Whitten, superintendent of operations for the railroad, said the project will provide a smoother, safer crossing for the public and the train.
The railroad received a Federal Highway Safety Administration grant to improve safety at the railroad crossing, which will fund cantilevers on both sides of the tracks, Whitten said.
The cantilevers ‒ large masts with horizontal beams ‒ will feature flashing lights and bells to signal an approaching train, Whitten said.
Previously, a crossing guard stood at the intersection with a vest and flag to warn traffic, but increased traffic has made that practice unsafe.
The new track will also feature concrete panels between the rails for smoother vehicle crossing, he said.
Whitten estimated the project will cost $800,000, fully funded by the federal grant.
“It's pretty rare for this type of event to take place,” said a city of Durango spokesman. “It's just that, obviously, since the train has tracks going across the road, they've got the right to make the repairs as needed.”
Construction is expected to be completed by April 15, according to a news release from the city.
The Animas River Trail repaving detour for pedestrians and cyclists will be temporarily rerouted to Ninth Street and reconnect to College Drive at Second Avenue.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
