Reconstruction of West Y main topic at CDOT meeting

Reconstruction of West Y main topic at CDOT meeting

May 15, 2001

By Kevin Denke
Journal Intern

Discussion at the Colorado Department of Transportation’s yearly meeting with Montezuma County officials and residents Friday afternoon centered on reconstruction of the West Y — the intersection of highways 160 and 666 in Cortez.

The intersection, which lies at the west end of the city near the Burger King, is often a source of confusion as well as danger for motorists.

It is being considered as a possible candidate for "eighth-pot" funding. Southwest Transportation Manager Cas Garcia suggested a rebuilding of the intersection rather than just a temporary fix.

The previous seventh-pot funds were monies allocated by the Colorado General Assembly and CDOT for construction of specific projects. They were created when it was being determined that "too many road projects were not being done," according to Garcia.

Seventh-pot funding helped complete projects on Wolf Creek Pass and Farmington Hill in the past. The funding can allocate roughly $100 million for various projects that might not normally be considered for improvement. After the success of seventh-pot funds, an eighth pot has been created.

CDOT representatives also cautioned that with the massive growth of Front Range, the Southwest Region needs to make sure their voices are heard when it comes to the division of funds for road projects. CDOT is also attempting to set aside around $1 million a year for shoulder work on stretches of road that were built without shoulders.

Cortez Mayor Joe Keck also brought up preliminary discussion of whether Highway 666 could be eligible to be designated as federal lands since it will provide the main access to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.

A desire for timed crossing lights in Cortez, which indicate the amount of time left to cross the street instead of the flashing hand, was also mentioned.

It was also reported that work is scheduled to begin this week on the temporary traffic signal at the intersection of U.S. 160 and State Highway 184 in Mancos. The intersection has been a dangerous one and the temporary signal is being constructed with hopes of curbing injuries and fatalities.

The work is scheduled to take approximately 90 days and, if all goes as planned, should be finished by the Fourth of July.

Motorists can expect delays this summer on Highway 160 from Bayfield west to Durango due to an overlaying project.