Mesa mania

Things are once again beginning to rock and roll at Durango Mesa Park. The Durango Mesa Park Foundation announced it is beginning construction this week on a new intersection at Highway 3 and Ewing Mesa Road as well as reconstruction of Ewing Mesa Road into the park.

In conjunction with the work, the Horse Gulch Parking Lot will be off limits through at least November, as it is used as a staging area for the construction. Trail users are asked to use the surrounding neighborhood streets for parking, or better yet, ride your bike to the trailhead. Additionally, the Mesa Connector Trail will be closed intermittently throughout the project. The first closure is anticipated from March 24 - April 4.

"We are thrilled to break ground on this essential road construction project, a major step toward realizing the community-led vision for Durango Mesa Park and paving the way for future amenities and public access,” Moira Montrose Compton, executive director of the Durango Mesa Park Foundation, said in a statement. “We appreciate everyone's patience as we work to minimize disruptions and bring this incredible community resource to life."

Other impacts to the area include:

• One-lane closure on E. 3rd Street; one lane will remain open to local traffic, access to the Horse Gulch Medical Center and E. 3rd Street businesses

• Shoulder closures, lane closures and lane shifts on Highway 3 and E. 8th Avenue

• Flaggers at the Sawmill Road and Highway 3 intersection

Work hours will be from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday and some weekends. 

Durango Mesa Park also plans to continue construction on its bike park and additional trails on the mesa this year as well.

To learn more, the City of Durango and Durango Mesa Park Foundation will be hosting an “Engage Durango” open house Tues., March 25, from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Durango Recreation Center. The evening will feature the latest updates on Durango Mesa Park’s progress and details on summer construction and plans for expanded amenities. Attendees will hear directly from project leaders and have the opportunity to engage with city representatives.

“This is a great opportunity for the community to see how Durango Mesa Park is evolving,” Compton said. “We encourage everyone to join us in shaping the future of this incredible outdoor space.”

For more information, visit: engage.durangoco.gov/durango-mesa-park.