CDOT Reminds Motorists that Changing Conditions Exist on Highways Next to Wildfire Burn Areas

July 6, 2012 - Statewide - With rain predicted in the forecast as soon as this afternoon, Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) would like to remind motorists driving on state highways that with the recent wildfires throughout the state, the highways are at high risk for flooding, washouts, mudslides, and rocks/debris/trees being washed into the road.

Currently, State Highway 14 in northern Colorado is closed between Ted’s Place/US 287 intersection and Poudre Park (approximately 10 miles west of Ted’s Place) for a mudslide in the same area that burned as part of the High Park Fire.

Although CDOT crews are performing ongoing roadway safety checks throughout the areas impacted by fires such as the High Park Fire near State Highway 14 and the Waldo Canyon Fire near US 24, motorists are reminded to reduce speeds and use extra caution to ensure their safety, especially during and after rain storms. The increased moisture in the burned area will lead to a continuously changing condition of the highway, as debris will travel down hillsides faster than usual to the roadway below.

Drivers should call Colorado State Patrol (CSP) dispatch to report any damage to highways that threatens public safety at 303-239-4501.

Motorists are also reminded that while the damage to residences and businesses within the burn zones was devastating, and so was the damage sustained to the land and wilderness area surrounding the highways. Wildlife will be on the move in greater abundance than usual and driers should be alert for wildlife crossing the roadway.