US 24 Tennessee Pass “Sinkhole” Update

July 12, 2012 - Northwestern Colorado/CDOT Region 3 - The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) continues to keep US 24 closed indefinitely in both directions to all traffic, including bicyclists, north of Leadville at mile marker 165 near the top of Tennessee Pass after a hole opened up on the southbound shoulder of the highway on Monday.

Earlier this week, the hole was referred to as a sinkhole, which is technically incorrect since the cause of the hole is soil giving way above an abandoned railroad tunnel.

CDOT crews finished taking core (soil) samples in the area and have been analyzing the samples in order to put together repair options. Once the options have been evaluated and a solution has been determined, CDOT will move forward with soliciting bids to get a contractor hired so repairs can begin.

All motorists, including those who live locally, must continue to use State Highway 91 as a detour. The closure point is at mile marker 165, so access to local businesses and roadways remains possible. Travelers hoping to visit Camp Hale, which is just south of Red Cliff, will be able to do so.

CDOT continues to work with state historians and is referencing its archives to build a full history of the tunnel and roadway.