Town of Dolores Gets New & Upgraded Sidewalk, Curb and Gutter

September 5, 2014 - Southwestern Colorado/CDOT Region 5 - CDOT Administers Federal Transportation Alternatives Program Funds for the Work

Dolores, CO – The Town of Dolores has contracted with D & L Construction to build sidewalk, curb and gutter along Railroad Avenue (SH 145). The project constructs approximately 600 square yards of sidewalk (and replaces some existing) between 1st and 2nd streets on the north side of Railroad Ave. and between  8th and 11th streets on the south side of Railroad Ave. ADA*-compliant ramps will also be installed where the sidewalks meet side streets. The existing crosswalk at 11th Street will be realigned to connect two ADA-compliant ramps as well. The project also includes the construction of about 700 linear feet of curb and gutter.

Project construction began on August 25 and is scheduled for completion by November 7, 2014.

This project was facilitated by the state’s Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), which is based on the federal highway program and administered by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). TAP funds specific types of projects that enhance a community’s existing transportation system.

“Transportation Alternatives Program funds are allowing us to complete these pedestrian upgrades,” Interim Town Manager Lana Hancock said. “We are very pleased to receive assistance from CDOT through this competitive funding program and have the support of the community in providing the local match. The sidewalks will not only increase safety for pedestrians but also provide a nice traffic calming feature through our town.”

To receive funding through the TAP, a local, state or federal government agency must sponsor the project, and the sponsor must provide a minimum of 20 percent of the project costs. The construction cost for the Dolores sidewalk project is approximately $200,000. The total cost of the project (including design) is about $225,000. Of that amount, $180,000 is being paid for with federal TAP funds, and about $45,000 by the Town.

Cities and counties throughout southwest Colorado must submit projects to the CDOT regional office in Durango for consideration. A selection panel comprised of representatives from this region—from the Southwest, San Luis Valley and Gunnison Valley Regional Planning Commissions—reviews and ranks the applications based on specific criteria including project eligibility, engineering issues and cost estimates. For more information on what types of projects are eligible or how and when funding is awarded, please contact CDOT Region 5 Off-Systems Engineer Robert Shanks at (970) 384-1416.

OTHER CDOT INFORMATION: The best way to stay up to date on CDOT projects and/or traffic impacts is to sign up for email and wireless (text) alerts. Go to CDOT's web site at www.coloradodot.info and click on the green cell phone icon in the upper right hand corner of the page. You can also call 511 from anywhere in the state or go to www.cotrip.org.

*Americans with Disabilities Act