A traffic switch has been instituted at the high bridge at U.S. Highway 160 on the south side of Durango.
Southbound traffic was reconfigured Monday to single lane traffic in the right lane. Northbound traffic can expect this same reconfiguration starting as weather permits, which could be as early as Tuesday. The lanes will be widened to 12 feet with a 4-foot shoulder. Wide loads will still not be allowed through the project limits. Single-lane traffic restrictions at the bridge are helping with construction efforts and will maintain safety for crews and motorists.
Last week, crews completed the asphalt mat on the new approach slab and reconstructed deck of the bridge, about 50-feet long and 3-inches thick. This new section connects the new expansion device to the new concrete pavement. The new approach will also provide a smoother surface at the bridge transition from the bridge to the road.
As traffic narrows to one lane at the bridge work zone, the Colorado Department of Transportation instructs drivers to use both lanes all the way to the merge point. This traffic pattern, also known as a zipper or late merge, allows for smoother more efficient merging and less stop-and-go traffic.
Work will continue to take place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Although work will take place only during the daytime, the traffic configuration will be in place day and night. The project and traffic impacts can be expected through the end of December.
Drivers are required to reduce their speed to 40 mph and should follow all traffic restrictions, signage and flagging personnel through the work zone.
On Highway 3, there will be no acceleration lane access for vehicles turning right off Highway 3 onto U.S. 160/550, north-/westbound. Vehicles turning right must use the traffic light signal at U.S. 160/550, north-/westbound. To avoid the bridge work zone, travelers may consider using Highway 3 as an alternate route.
At Turner Drive in Bodo Park, right turns off Turner Drive must stop and yield for east-/southbound access onto US 160/550. No merging is allowed onto the highway. Alternate access to U.S. 160/550 can use the Frontage Road and intersection/traffic light signal at Sawyer Drive. Right turns off U.S. 160/550 are allowed onto Turner Drive. Right turns off Turner Drive are allowed onto County Road 213/La Posta Road.
For more information, call the project information line at 840-8517, email R5BridgeRehab@yahoo.com or visit www.codot.gov/projects/southwestern-colorado-bridge-maintenance.
