Motorists Should Expect Small Mudslides on State Highway 14 Today Due to Heavy Rains

LARIMER COUNTY — Motorists driving on State Highway (SH) 14 through the High Park burn zone are urged by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to allow extra travel time and to check conditions before leaving today, as the heavy rains are causing small mudslides through the Poudre Canyon. Free resources are available to check conditions, including 5-1-1 and www.cotrip.org.

Crews will be cleaning debris, including small rocks, fallen trees, and other muck, from the areas surrounding the highway near Stove Prairie Road near mile marker 104 throughout the day. CDOT asks motorists to allow crews plenty of room to work safely and to reduce speeds when crews are present near the roadway.

CDOT would like to remind motorists that areas near burn zones from last year’s wildfires are at high risk for flooding, washouts, mudslides, and rocks/debris/trees being washed into the road. Although CDOT crews are performing ongoing roadway safety checks, 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.

To receive real-time updates about road conditions in your area, visit www.coloradodot.info and click on the green cell phone icon in the upper right hand corner of the page. Updates are also available via Twitter @coloradodot and be sure to “Like” our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/coloradodot.