CDOT Begins Rockfall Mitigation Project on SH 3

DURANGO, CO - On Thursday, August 21, 2014, the Colorado Department of Transportation will begin a rockfall mitigation project on State Highway (SH) 3 in Durango and La Plata County. The approximately .7-mile project work zone lies between the junction with US 160/550 and Sawmill Road (south). This project will reduce the risk of rockfall in this area, as well as provide measures to capture some material in the event of rockfall. The work is anticipated to be complete in November 2014, with a possibility for some continued work in spring 2015. The full project—contracted to TK Construction for $1.56* million—also includes rockfall mitigation (to begin in early 2015) on SH 145 just south of Telluride.

Anticipated Travel Impacts for Motorists & Cyclists:  Beginning Thursday, August 21, 2014, through November 18, 2014, the project will require a full road closure on the south end of SH 3. During the full closure, the alternate route will be US 160/US 550. (Please note: access to the Rivergate businesses, medical offices and residences will still be available from the north, via Santa Rita Drive or 8th Avenue.) The Carbon Junction Trailhead, which provides access to the Telegraph Trail System, will be open during construction; however, parking will not be available at this location. Parking is available at the Big Canyon Trailhead further south and a temporary roadside path will be available between the two trailheads.

Questions? Comments?  The best way to stay up to date on project progress and impacts is to sign up for email and wireless (text) alerts. Go to CDOT’s web site at www.coloradodot.info and click on the green cell phone icon in the upper right hand corner of the page. Enter your information and choose “SH 3 Durango Rockfall” under the “Projects” list. The public may also call the project information line at (970) 759-1030 or write to [email protected].

*This safety project is receiving funding from RAMP, Responsible Acceleration of Maintenance and Partnerships. RAMP is better coordinating project expenditures and available funding. Under the RAMP program, CDOT will fund multi-year projects based on year of expenditure, rather than saving for the full amount of a project before construction begins. For more information, including a list of RAMP project requests, please see our website:  http://www.coloradodot.info/programs/RAMP.