Dear Concerned Residents of Mancos:

We have incorporated the following improvements to the 160/184 intersection in Mancos, based on both your input, the recent fatal accidents, and the CDOT Staff Traffic speed zone and safety section:

-  Lowering of the speed limit from 50 mph to oversize 40-mph [signs] through a 3/4-of-a-mile section of 160.

-  Lowering the advisory speed at the intersection from 45 mph to 35 mph. This sign is located below the two intersection symbols signs with flashing beacons.

-  Replacement of the four pedestrian crossing signs to the new green color. This will add visibility at the existing pedestrian crossing.

-  Addition of two oversized "reduced speed ahead" signs.

-  Elimination of the passing zones on each side of the intersection on U.S. 160.

-  Installation of "40 MPH" pavement markings in both the eastbound and westbound direction of U.S. 160.

We are also planning to install an overhead flashing yellow/red beacon in the center of the intersection. The two metal poles used for this installation could also be used for an interim traffic signal although the poles will need to be reset. Street lighting will also be reset to provide a light on each pole. The flasher will help identify the location of the intersection and indicate a caution condition to drivers on 160.

Speed Limits: State statutes require that a speed study be done prior to changing any speed limits on state highways. The changing of the speed limits cannot be done arbitrarily, but must be based on several factors. These factors are contained in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and include:

- Road characteristics, shoulders, grades, alignment and sight distance.

-  85th percentile speed (the speed at which 85 percent of vehicles do not exceed).

-  Roadside development.

- Safe speed for curves or hazardous locations.

-  Parking and pedestrian activity.

-  Reported accident experience.

I received several letters that contained suggestions that we incorporated into the intersection improvements. Some ideas were proposed that we decided not to include in the work. Our reasoning for not including these ideas is explained below:

Pedestrian Overpass/Pe-destrian Underpass: These are expensive and impractical solutions especially since CDOT is designing a project that will reconstruct the intersection complete with a traffic signal with a pedestrian crossing phase. The overpass or underpass would need to be wheelchair accessible. The ramps would be extremely long, requiring closure of the frontage roads in order to construct them. For a narrow two-lane road, it would be much quicker (and more hazardous) just to cross the highway.

The underpass is similarly an ineffective and expensive solution that would require closure of the frontage roads and be rarely used.

Pedestrian Signal: We are not permitted to install a pedestrian-only signal. The number of pedestrians that use the intersection must meet minimum volume requirements that the intersection does not meet. These volumes are 100 per hour for four hours or 190 per any one hour.

Rumble Strips: Several requests were made to install rumble strips on 160. The installation of rumble strips will not add anything to the safety of the intersection. The signing, striping and overhead flasher will be adequate. The installation of rumble strips will add noise and confusion and not be an effective measure.

Traffic Signal: Unlike the pedestrian-only signal, the warrants for the installation of a traffic signal have been met. The traffic signal can be legally installed at the intersection. However, the installation of the signal will necessitate the closing of the three frontage road accesses. This will impact the business community and the traffic movements around the intersection.

At the point, the Town has not requested that an interim traffic signal be installed at the intersection. The Town and CDOT will begin addressing the long-term solution to the changes brought by the future traffic signal, modifications to the frontage roads and the Town’s access management plan.

We must have an integrated plan in place to provide signing, alternate routes and adequately designed accesses to keep the town functioning safely after the present intersection is reconstructed. I will be meeting with representatives from the Town to begin this process in the near future.