CDOT Releases Highway Impact Information for USA Pro Challenge

July 25, 2012 - Statewide Transportation Plan - STATEWIDE — In coordination with the USA Pro Challenge, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), and other state entities, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has prepared traveler impact information for motorists during what may be the largest spectator event in Colorado history.

From Monday, August 20 through Sunday, August 26, the 2012 USA Pro Challenge will bring the world’s top cyclists and their fans to the state. The race will impact numerous highways and in order to prepare motorists, CDOT has posted details on its traveler information website at http://www.cotrip.org/content/usapcc/.

The site contains information for motorists regarding highway closures, delays, oversize/overweight restrictions, and suggested alternative routes. There are also links to host cities’ websites where local road closure information can be found, links to long-term parking information, and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs). The times for delays and closures are estimates and may be subject to change depending on the pace of the riders, weather, and other unforeseen circumstances.

For real-time information related to highway impacts, motorists are encouraged to sign up for CDOT’s email and text alerts, available at www.coloradodot.info by clicking on the green cell phone icon, and are encouraged to follow CDOT on Twitter (@coloradodot). Daily road closure information during the event will be available by calling 511 from anywhere in the state or by visiting www.cotrip.org.

Race officials are estimating that more than one million spectators may watch the race in person over the course of seven consecutive days. Traversing nearly 700 miles of Colorado terrain, racers will pass through numerous towns and cities, including but not limited to Aspen, Boulder, Breckenridge, Colorado Springs, Denver, Durango, Gunnison, and Telluride. CDOT encourages fans to share their race stories, photos, and experiences at www.facebook.com/coloradodot.

Summary of Impacts:

  • August 20/Stage 1 from Durango to Telluride: Highways impacted include State Highway 160, State Highway 184, and State Highway 145. Impacts will begin at 10 a.m. and end by approximately 4 p.m.
  • August 21/Stage 2 from Montrose to Mount Crested Butte: Highways impacted include US 50, State Highway 135 and Cottonwood Pass. Cottonwood Pass will be closed from August 21 at 3 p.m. until August 22 at approximately 1 p.m. Other impacts will begin at 11 a.m. and end by approximately 4 p.m.
  • August 22/Stage 3 from Gunnison to Aspen: Highways impacted include State Highway 135, US 24, Cottonwood Pass, and State Highway 82—Independence Pass. Cottonwood Pass will be closed from August 21 at 3 p.m. until August 22 at approximately 1 p.m. Other impacts will begin at 10 a.m. and end by approximately 6 p.m.
  • August 23/Stage 4 from Aspen to Beaver Creek: Highways impacted include State Highway 82, US 24, and US 6. Impacts begin at 9 a.m. and end by approximately 4 p.m.
  • August 24/Stage 5 from Breckenridge to Colorado Springs: Highways impacted include State Highway 9 and US 24. Impacts will begin at 10 a.m. and end by approximately 4 p.m.
  • August 25/Stage 6 from Golden to Boulder: Highways impacted include State Highway 93, State Highway 119, State Highway 72, State Highway 7, and US 36. Impacts will begin at 11 a.m. and end by approximately 4 p.m.
  • August 26/Final Stage/Denver Time Trial: No highways are expected to be impacted.

Visit www.cotrip.org for road conditions in your area during the race. Spectator information is available at the USA Pro Challenge official website (www.prochallenge.com). CDOT would like to remind motorists to obey road signs, Colorado State Patrol, and race officials. To receive updates about road conditions in the race area, visit www.coloradodot.info and click on the green cell phone icon in the upper right hand corner of the page.