Plan Ahead – CO 172 Paving Project Begins

Be prepared to add up to 30 minutes of extra travel time if you’re going along Colorado 172, as paving on the road project has begun. The city of Durango Transportation Department is looking for volunteers for a biannual survey of pedestrians and cyclists. And the city has pledged to add 184 affordable housing units, thanks to funding from Proposition 123. You’re watching the “Local News Roundup” brought to you by Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings, and SkyUte Casino, I’m Wendy Graham Settle. Phase 1 of Paving on the Colorado 172 project began July 24th. Paving will begin on the segment just east of the Durango-La Plata County Airport to just east of the US 160 Junction at Elmore’s Corner. Paving work is expected to go through the end of August, moving east of the airport toward Ignacio once the first segment is finished. The road will become single lane, alternating traffic Monday through Friday with some Saturday work possible. Speed limits through the construction area will be lowered to 40 miles per hour, and drivers are advised to expect delays of up to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Make sure to plan additional time accordingly if you’re planning on traveling along Colorado 172. Find updates on the project at Colorado Department of Transportation. The Durango Transportation Department is looking for volunteers for the 2023 Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation project. The survey which takes place September 19th, 20th, 21st, and 23rd is conducted every two years to provide the city with information on how local infrastructure is utilized. Volunteers will collect data on the number of pedestrians and cyclists that use various intersections around town. The information will enable the city to secure grant funding for projects like bicycle facilities, transit improvements, and sidewalk repair. Volunteers are asked to sign up for a morning and/or evening shift at one of 11 local intersections around town, a total of 77 volunteer slots, you can sign up for more than one. Find more information and the signup form online. The City of Durango has committed to adding 184 additional affordable housing units over the next three years, thanks to funding from Proposition 123. Approved by voters in 2022, Proposition 123 created the State Affordable Housing Fund using tax revenue to support the creation of affordable housing. The State Affordable Housing Fund dedicates 40% of funds to the Affordable Housing Support Fund, and 60% of funds to the Affordable Housing Financing Fund. Towns and cities applying for funds from the program must prove their eligibility by establishing a baseline of affordable housing. Learn more about these and other stories online at durangolocal.news. Thank you for watching this edition of the “Local News Roundup.” I’m Wendy Graham Settle.