Figure eight racing is a combination of stock car racing and demolition derby, where drivers tear around an 8-shaped track and gun it through the gap between cars at the intersection to dodge collision.
Throw in a disregarded yield sign, some sharp angles, out-of-town truckers and lead-footed commuters and youve got the U.S. 160/491 intersection in Cortez.
The Colorado Department of Transportation is planning to modify the intersection as part of their larger South Broadway resurfacing project planned for this summer.
Weve had several accidents there and its mostly because of fast moving westbound traffic and slow moving northbound trucks, Mike Coggins, CDOT resident engineer. We know its a concern and we have an obligation to make it as safe as we can.
The most significant change will be a traffic light aimed at improving northbound turns. Under the current plan, the signal light will stop traffic turning north from 160 (South Broadway) onto 491 (North Broadway) toward Dove Creek until a set number of vehicles are backed up in the turn lane. Then, the light will stop westbound traffic coming from Main Street to allow those vehicles to turn north onto 491. The traffic light will replace an existing yield sign.
Vehicle lanes southbound from North Broadway onto South Broadway will remain free flowing as will lanes for vehicles traveling northbound from South Broadway onto Main Street.
In addition to the light, an unnamed cutoff street southwest of Burger King will now be designated as one way westbound. Coggins said it could be closed completely if found to be an ongoing danger.
Locals who work near the intersection have expressed concerns about the project impacting access to their businesses particularly trucks visiting Cortez Diesel and the Ute Coffee Shop. However, they acknowledge the intersection is problematic and has seen numerous accidents over the years.
Under the current plan of intersection modification, trucks leaving these businesses and wanting to head east on Highway 160 would be guided by signs to travel north on 491, turn east on West North Street, and southeast on North Piñon Drive to turn onto Main Street.
Locals have expressed concern that trucks will instead head south and use 3rd or 7th streets areas where students are known to walk.
CDOT engineers say they are doing the best they can to improve the intersection with the limited funds available.
We recognize theres a lot of conflicting turning movements, Coggins said. Were just trying to minimize the number of conflicts. Were not going to close off any access, were just going to modify it slightly. People may have to go out of their way a block or two. But thats all is a block or two.
Lastly, the North Broadway median will be cut northwest of Burger King to allow a southbound, left hand turn into the fast food restaurants parking lot.
The public may contact Nancy Shanks, spokesperson for the state transportation department with questions and concerns at 970-385-1428 or by email at Nancy.Shanks@dot.state.co.us.
Reach Reid Wright at reidw@cortezjournal.com