Crews Continue Highway Mudslide Cleanup at Several Locations

Due to recent rain storms, CDOT maintenance crews have been clearing mud and rocks off highways across Southwest and South Central Colorado. Work will continue for the next few weeks, especially as more flash flood events occur.

SOUTHWEST & SOUTH CENTRAL COLORADO—While summer rains and monsoons have brought needed moisture to our parched landscape, the torrential downpours have also kept CDOT maintenance crews busy with the clearing of rock and mud from Southwest Colorado roads. Shoulders, ditches and culverts on several highways were impacted at several locations due to debris flows during flash floods over the past couple of weeks.

An excessive amount of debris from the flows has also been deposited on the sides of the highways. Crews will be loading the excess dirt and debris to haul away. CDOT crews are also cleaning out culverts to ensure the water inlets are clear for future water flows.

Through the end of July, travelers should watch for cleanup operations on area highways. Most work is taking place on the sides and shoulders of the road; however, heavy equipment activity may require lane changes or the possibility of brief closures. Speed reductions are set in place at work zones.

Cleanup Locations

• CO Highway 145 ― MP 75-80, between Telluride and Placerville, near Sawpit

• US Highway 550 ― MP 33-36, approximately 10 miles north of Durango, near the 416 Fire burn area

• US Highway 160 ― MP 265-266, approximately seven miles east of Ft. Garland, on the west side of La Veta Pass

Please be aware of weather conditions and travel with caution when heavy rains are in the forecast. Flash flooding, and mud or rock slides are likely to occur again.