Downtown task force, CDOT engineers discuss highway lane configurations

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The sidewalk along Pagosa Street in downtown Pagosa Springs, especially on the north side of the 400 block and especially during the peak tourist seasons, is congested and difficult for pedestrians to navigate.

SUN staff conducted some informal research Tuesday afternoon. Between Goodman’s Department Store and Treasures of the Rockies, there were 21 signs, both traffic control signs for the highway and sandwich-style billboards for various businesses.

In addition, there were 15 merchandise displays, 11 tree planters, six benches, five trashcans, two bicycle racks, one outdoor dining table and one fire hydrant. Also, while most of the businesses had recessed entryways, there were a couple with steps that stuck out into the sidewalk and there was one full set of stairs next to the movie theater that led down to a basement.

At several spots, SUN staff observed a couple walking towards the east that was forced to stop and wait for people coming from the other direction because there was barely enough room for three people to fit through the various pinch-points.

As reported in last week’s SUN, area sales tax is up more than 19 percent compared to last year.

Business is booming.

The crowd of shoppers is getting bigger.

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