A section of Durango’s Animas River Trail – stretching from north Santa Rita Park to the DoubleTree Hotel at 501 Camino del Rio – reopened Friday evening after months of construction.
The trail was originally planned to reopen at the end of October, but rains and later snow delayed construction, according to the city. During the closure, residents were advised to use bus routes or follow a detour from west College Drive to the southern end of Santa Rita Park.
The project aimed to increase safety, accessibility and trail duration while protecting the river corridor.
Construction consisted of grade reduction, improved lighting, trail widening to at least 10 feet, replacement of asphalt with concrete, improved visibility at curves and meeting Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines, according to the city.
Other improvements included additional off-trail bike racks, additional space at the “Beer Garden” behind the DoubleTree Hotel, highway drainage mitigation to address ice forming on the trail in the wintertime and other general drainage improvements, said an Engage Durango project description.
The project design also included a pullout bench for trail users to rest without interrupting traffic along the trail and a soft-surface pedestrian path from the north end of the Whitewater Park at Santa Rita Park to the Animas River Trail for unloading river rafters.
City spokesman Tom Sluis said the construction project was completed under its $3.26 million budget at $3.1 million. The project was funded by the city’s 2015 half-cent sales tax fund.
The city said in a news release Thursday that minor cleanup and wrap-up work could continue in the area as the trail reopens.
“The city encourages residents and visitors to enjoy the newly reopened trail segment while adhering to trail rules and etiquette,” the release said.
cburney@durangoherald.com
