Colorado Highway 3 closes March 9–20 for rockfall mitigation; trailheads, businesses accessible

The Colorado Department of Transportation will fully close the southern section of Colorado Highway 3 in Durango around the clock from March 9 through March 20 for intensive rockfall mitigation, affecting about six‑tenths to 0.65 mile of roadway between the U.S. Highway 160 junction near Walmart and the southern intersection of Sawmill Road south of Animas Surgical Hospital. The closure will be in effect day and night and covers Mile Point 0 to 0.65 on CO 3.

CDOT framed the work as safety-driven: "Work will reduce the hazard of falling rocks and debris onto the roadway from the steep cliffside and rocky terrain that is prone to frequent rockslides." The closed segment skirts the east side of the Animas River southeast of downtown Durango, where a steep cliffside has prompted concern about rocks and boulders reaching the two‑lane road.

Crews described in the release include specialized geotechnical crews who will perform a mix of hands-on and technical stabilization. "This two‑week long project will remove loose surface material from the slope using both manual scaling (technicians on the slopes, removing unstable rock) and blasting techniques," the announcement says. Work will also include drilling and installing new rock‑stabilizing anchors, clearing rocks from behind concrete barriers, and repairing rockfall fencing designed to catch and contain rocks and boulders that fall from the cliff.

Traffic impacts will be concentrated on the closed stretch; through traffic will be barred 24/7 between the US 160 junction and the southern Sawmill Road intersection. The right turn lane from US 160 onto Highway 3 just south of the high bridge will be closed during the project. CDOT indicated drivers will still be able to reach businesses on Highway 3 and Sawmill Road by using Camino del Rio, Larry Valdez Way and East Eighth Avenue, preserving commercial access while crews work.

Recreational access will be maintained where possible. Carbon Junction trailhead and its parking area will remain open, and "Trail users can access the trailhead and its parking area via Dominguez Drive and the Carbon Junction frontage road," CDOT noted. A map showing the two-week closure on south Durango was posted by CDOT to accompany the advisory, marking the Mile Point 0–0.65 limits.

Travelers should plan for continuous operations and possible noise from manual scaling and controlled blasting on the cliffside. CDOT is promoting traveler tools and messaging to "Download the COtrip App!" for current conditions; motorists are advised to use CDOT travel resources before heading out. For local follow-up reporting, Durango Herald coverage of the closure included contact information for reporter sedmondson@durangoherald.com. If work stays on schedule, CDOT expects crews to wrap up and reopen CO 3 by March 20.