4-hour full closures needed for blasting on CO 119 in Boulder Canyon on June 11 & 15

Boulder — On June 11 and 15, Colorado Highway 119 will be closed to all traffic between Mile Points 38 and 40 for about four hours for rock blasting. The road is scheduled to close at 10 a.m. and reopen by 2 p.m.

This blast is intended to safely bring down a number of large boulders resting on top of a rock face. During this operation, crews predict that the large boulders will fall onto CO 119. Closing the canyon will allow the work to proceed as safely and efficiently as possible. 

Because the CO 119 and Fourmile Canyon Drive intersection is east of the blast area, canyon residents who live west of the Alps Inn will not have access to Fourmile Canyon Drive during this full closure. All motorists will need to use the assigned detour. From Boulder, a northern alternate route can be taken via CO 7, US 36 and CO 72. A southern alternate route is available via CO 93 and CO 72. Please note, motorists taking the southern alternate route should be aware of a current project on CO 72 in Coal Creek Canyon between Plainview Road (mile point 12.3) and Pinecliffe (MP 24.6). Expect lane shifts and short delays at this work zone. 

Project officials have coordinated with emergency responders to accommodate emergency access during this closure.

What’s Next. 

The remaining three to four blasts requiring full closures will be scheduled throughout the summer and fall. Construction is scheduled to be complete late this year. However, weather could impact planned paving work. Paving operations require certain temperatures to ensure the quality of the asphalt. If weather affects the current schedule, paving will be done in spring 2021. 

Drivers should continue to check the project website, email updates and hotline for the most up to date travel information. See contact info below.

COVID-19

Safe transportation infrastructure is essential for emergency first responders and freight drivers as Colorado navigates the COVID-19 pandemic. With that in mind, road maintenance and construction continues on CDOT projects with social distancing and other health safety measures to reduce COVID-19 exposure on the worksite. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced guidelines for construction activities. The public is urged to join the campaign for #DoingMyPartCO by practicing social distancing, wearing face masks, staying at home when possible, and avoiding nonessential travel. With fewer vehicles on the roads, CDOT crews will be able to work more efficiently and safely.

Travel Impacts

Anyone wanting to receive text alerts about this project and the closure can text CO119 to 21000.

Stay Informed

Travelers can obtain information about this closure and construction project by: 

• Text alerts: Text CO119 to 21000 to receive updates about this closure and project text alerts.
• Road conditions and travel information: www.COtrip.org 
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COalerts
• See scheduled lane closures: codot.gov/travel/scheduled-lane-closures.html 
• Connect with us on social media: Twitter @coloradodot and Facebook facebook.com/coloradodot

Remember: Slow for the Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

• Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
• Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
• Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
• Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
• Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
• Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
• Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
• Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
• Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
• Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
• Be patient!

Whole System. Whole Safety.

In early 2019, CDOT announced its Whole System — Whole Safety initiative to heighten safety awareness. This initiative takes a systematic, statewide approach to safety combining the benefits of CDOT’s programs that address driving behaviors, our built environment and the organization's operations. The goal is to improve the safety of Colorado’s transportation network by reducing the rate and severity of crashes and improving the safety of all transportation modes. The program has one simple mission—to get everyone home safely. 

About CDOT

CDOT has approximately 3,000 employees located at its Denver headquarters and in regional offices throughout Colorado, and manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway and 3,429 bridges. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of other agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments and airports. It also administers Bustang, the state-owned and operated interregional express service. Gov. Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s intermodal mobility options.