The Salida City Council adopted the US-50 and CO 291 Intersection Control Evaluation Plan on March 16, 2021. This study included streetscape planning for Oak Street from the Touber Building to US-50. The proposed alternative street section for these improvements includes bike lanes, curb & gutter, sidewalk, stormwater improvements, and lighting upgrades.
Since that time, staff submitted a grant application for the CDOT Mainstreet grant program. The City was a successful recipient of $2,000,000 in grant funding through this program. After the funding was established, the necessary surveying and engineering have been completed along with the required approvals through CDOT processes.
Through the design processes, CDOT and the design engineers proposed additional drainage improvements necessary to help with regional drainage issues and to better accommodate future redevelopment of parcels along this corridor. Also, during the design processes, other developments were approved including 505 Oak Street multi-family project, the Fire Station, and School District Administrative Office/Crest Academy. Design modifications were needed to best suit the changes in area. These changes in scope ultimately led to a higher construction cost.
The first phase of construction beginning near the intersection with US-50 and ending at Dodge Street was completed in 2024. The second phase of construction will start at Dodge Street and end at Walnut Street. These improvements are scheduled to start at the beginning of June, 2025 and continue into the Fall.