­
­
Key project contributors gather for photo following the Grandview Interchange dedication ceremony, Thursday, May 9. Partnering agencies on the multi-year project included CDOT, Federal Highway Administration, Southern Ute Indian Tribe, City of Durango, La Plata County and Lawrence Construction Co.
The Southern Ute Tribal Flag flies on Gulch Bridge during the Grandview Interchange dedication ceremony, Thursday, May 9. The new connection will be open to traffic at the end of the month.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Courtesy CDOT
Thumbnail image of
Thumbnail image of
Thumbnail image of
Thumbnail image of
Thumbnail image of
Thumbnail image of
­
­

CDOT commemorates connection of US 550-US 160 Grandview Bridge 

Friday - May 17, 2024 by Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum

Residents bid adieu to Farmington Hill  

The Colorado Department of Transportation hosted an “open road” celebration for the long-awaited connection of US 550 with US 160 at the Grandview Interchange south of Durango, Colo., Thursday, May 9.  

“We are looking forward to making this long-awaited connection, and we wanted to give the public an opportunity to view the new highway and bridges before it opens to traffic in late May,” CDOT Region 5 Transportation Director Julie Constan said. “Once traffic is switched onto the interchange, our project crews will begin the process of reclaiming US 550 down Farmington Hill.” 

The event was an open invitation, encouraging the public to drive and walk the new US 550 alignment before it opens to traffic. The four-lane highway now crosses over the two impressively tall Gulch Bridge structures, which offer expansive views of the La Plata Mountains, prior to connecting with US 160. Guests were invited to drive across the Grandview Bridge, through the new Grandview roundabout and across two new bridges on the new alignment that now connects US 550 to the “Bridge to the Future.”  

The historic US 550 route approaching Durango, which descends Farmington Hill, is set to be demolished and reclaimed back to a natural state; this includes the removal of the stoplight and intersection at the base of the hill. This section of the highway has a reputation for being especially treacherous in the winter due to its tight curves and steep grade. The Grandview Interchange boasts a much safer route for travelers, while also accounting for future population growth in the Four Corners region. 

CDOT project team members were on site to answer questions prior to the formal dedication ceremony, speakers from partnering agencies on the multi-year project included CDOT, Federal Highway Administration, Southern Ute Indian Tribe, City of Durango, La Plata County and Lawrence Construction Co.
“As we stand here today, I would like to remind you, this is Ute land and part of our traditional homelands,” Southern Ute Vice Chairman Lorelei Cloud said. “The most significant contribution our Tribe has offered to this project is in the land itself…We are pleased that CDOT has honored and recognized our ties to the land.” 

Additional project work items to be completed once traffic is switched onto the new alignment include:  

  • Removal of the traffic signal and median on US 160 at the bottom of Farmington Hill. 
  • Finishing a new frontage road on the west side of US 550. 
  • Mammal underpass work on US 550 northbound side. 
  • Installation of weather stations and CCTV cameras. 
  • Installation of an electronic variable message board for northbound travelers. 
  • Signing, striping and mailbox placement.

“This multi-year project will enhance economic vitality for southwest Colorado and neighboring states,” Constan said. “The newly connected interchange will ensure safe and reliable travel for vital goods and services to and from New Mexico and the Four Corners region.”  

The US 550-US 160 Connection South project cost is just under $100 million. The project has garnered tremendous support from local, state and federal governments and agencies. Funding sources for the $98.9 million project included a $500,000 contribution by the Southern Ute Growth Fund/Southern Ute Indian Tribe.
 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
To top