The recently completed stoplight in downtown Ignacio is at the instersection of Goddard Avenue and Ute Street.
The recently completed stoplight in downtown Ignacio is at the instersection of Goddard Avenue and Ute Street.Photo by Carole McWilliams

The safety improvement project includes pedestrian signals with lighting, placement of concrete pavement, new concrete sidewalks, curb ramps, signing and striping. The first block of Ute Street on the west side of the intersection was made one way going west, with diagonal parking spaces added and sidewalk “bulb-outs” to reduce street crossing distance for pedestrians.

These design elements are part of the Ignacio Area Corridor Access Plan, which extends from Sky Ute Casino Resort south to the County Road 318 turnoff. That plan was a joint effort of the town, Southern Ute Indian Tribe, La Plata County, and CDOT.

The $1.6 million project started on March 21. Along with CDOT funding, the county and the tribe each contributed $168,004, and the town contributed $9,333.

“This project ran smoothly and completed about a week earlier than scheduled,” said Mike Coggins, CDOT resident engineer in Durango. “We appreciate the cooperation and patience from Ignacio residents and know the improvements will relieve traffic congestion, making this a safer intersection for motorists.”