US 550–US 160 Connection South Project
Traffic is Using the New US 550 - US 160 Interchange
What to expect:
- Motorists are navigating the new way to access US 550 south. Those accessing the southside US 160 frontage road businesses and neighborhoods off CR 232 are also using the interchange.
- Getting to southbound US 550 towards New Mexico:
- Those traveling from Durango or the west will use the US 160 eastbound off-ramp just east of the US 550 "Farmington Hill" intersection;
- Those traveling from Bayfield or the east will use the westbound off-ramp located approximately three-quarters mile west of Three Springs Boulevard;
- Electronic variable message boards, permanent signage at the interchange roundabouts and flaggers will direct motorists;
- When using the roundabouts, take it slow. Look to the left for a safe gap in traffic, enter the roundabout, signal your intended exit. If you miss your exit - don't worry! You can drive around the roundabout again.
- Check out the roundabout instruction video on the right side of this web page.
About the Project
The Colorado Department of Transportation began construction of the US 550—US 160 Connection South in late summer 2020—the final phase of the project to complete the region’s first full interchange. CDOT will construct this project using the design-build process, partnering with a contracted team led by Lawrence Construction Company.
The overall project scope involves constructing a new, 1.1 mile, four-lane section of US 550 north of La Plata County Road 220 to connect the major highway with the existing US 160 interchange, and widening a 3.3-mile section of US 550 south of CR 220 to four lanes, tying into the CR 302 intersection.
Project Benefits
- By realigning US 550 to connect with the US 160 interchange in Grandview, the project will greatly enhance safety for passenger and commercial vehicles, as well as cyclists.
- The new connection will eliminate the steep, curved grade of the current US 550.
- This realignment will greatly improve safety by creating a full-service, continuous-flow interchange that eliminates signalization and at-grade intersections (including that at the base of Farmington Hill) where crashes can occur.
- Safety will also be improved through the widening of US 550 to four lanes, with widened shoulders and auxiliary lanes for safer merges onto and off of the highway.
- The project will increase safety through wildlife underpass crossings and deer fencing, which will reduce animal-vehicle collisions.
Work this Week & Lane Closures
US 550/US 160 Connection South
- Budget: $98.6 million
- Contractor: Lawrence Construction Co. and RS&H, Inc.
- Timeline: Summer 2020 to fall 2024
- Location:
- Highway: US 550 & US 160 Interchange
- City: South of Durango, near Grandview and Three Springs
- Mileposts:
US 550: MP 13 to 16
US 160: MP 87 to 88 - County: La Plata
Work Schedule:
- Work is expected to be completed in the fall of 2024
- From 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday (most weeks)
Traffic Impacts
- Traffic may be reduced to a single lane in each direction in various work areas along the new US 550 four-lane alignment, allowing trucks entering/exiting work areas
- The speed limit remains reduced to 40 mph, and travel delays are minimal
- For weekly updates on specific travel impacts, please select the orange box, above, titled "Work this Week & Lane Closures"
