TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Gazex maintenance to cause closures on Berthoud Pass Friday

As part of the operation, a helicopter will be used to transport oxygen and propane bottles to the Stanley slide area on Berthoud Pass to replace the bottles used last season, which will require a full road closure. This work must be done before a significant amount of snow accumulates on the mountain top.

This work is weather dependent and the schedule is subject to change.

Gazex is a system that improves how CDOT approaches avalanches while also improving the safety of its workers and the public. Instead of handling live ordinance, Gazex is a permanent installation on the mountain that uses compressed gases to create a concussive blast to trigger a slide.

The system is triggered remotely by operators from a secure distance, creating safer operations. All traffic will be stopped during the remote triggers and held until the roadway can safely be reopened.

TRAFFIC IMPACTS

US 40 Berthoud Pass: Up to 30 minute traffic holds between mile posts 247 and 250 on Friday, October 13, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

SIGN UP FOR CDOT ALERTS

Updates can be found on CDOT’s traveler information site at www.cotrip.org, by calling 511, or visiting CDOT's Facebook or Twitter pages. If you are interested in receiving CDOT project and/or lane closure notifications to your email or mobile device, please sign up at www.codot.gov and choose the envelope icon at the bottom of the page.