Rockfall mitigation work on US 40 in Mount Harris Canyon begins Monday, May 18

ROUTT COUNTY — On Monday, May 18 the Colorado Department of Transportation will begin rockfall mitigation work on US 40 in Mount Harris Canyon, from mile post (MP) 114.5 to MP 116.5. The area is located near the town of Hayden, between Steamboat Springs and Craig. Work will be performed by consultant Rock Solid Solutions and is part of CDOT’s geohazards program. The contractor will repair draped wire mesh that was damaged during two recent rockfall events. Crews will remove rock debris trapped in the mesh, reset posts that suspend the mesh in the air, patch and/or replace damaged mesh, and install reinforcing bars to stabilize rock features adjacent to the recent failure zones.

The work will require a single lane closure during working hours with the potential for short intermittent full closures as needed to release rock debris from the mesh. During non-working hours, the roadway will be completely open.

The rock mitigation work is routine after a rockfall event and will help ensure safety for motorists on the roads and help prevent damage to the road or passing vehicles caused by falling rocks. 

 TRAFFIC IMPACTS

Work is scheduled to take place 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday with no work planned for Monday or Friday of the Memorial Day weekend. Motorists can expect 20-minute holds in each direction. Travelers are encouraged to check COtrip.org for road alerts and conditions. The project is anticipated to be complete the week of June 8.

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.  

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 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. Governor Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s intermodal mobility options.