Ignacio's new stoplight at the Highway 172/ 151 intersection was activated on May 19, a week ahead of schedule according to Colorado Department of Transportation. The intersection has some of the highest traffic counts in the county, including very large trucks serving the gas industry. There have been long back-ups, especially for trucks trying to turn left from 151 to go south on 172.

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."