CO 133 closed north of Paonia due to large sinkhole and roadway damage

Travel Advisory

May 3, 2023 - Northwestern Colorado - Motorists asked to avoid the area
The above photo shows the sinkhole and related damage as of the morning of May 3.
The above photo shows the sinkhole and related damage as of the morning of May 3.
The above photo shows another angle of the sinkhole and related damage. Photo taken morning of May 3.
The above photo shows another angle of the sinkhole and related damage. Photo taken morning of May 3.

Delta & Gunnison Counties — A safety closure is in place for a section of Colorado Highway 133 located north of Paonia. The highway is closed in both directions from Mile Points 14-19. The safety closure is due to a large sinkhole and road damage. Motorists are asked to avoid the area unless absolutely necessary.

The sinkhole started on Saturday, April 29, and has significantly damaged the roadway. Spring runoff is a factor in the conditions leading to the sinkhole developing. There is also a damaged culvert near the roadway. CDOT is pursuing temporary ways of safely reopening the roadway, but those options will be limited due to ongoing spring runoff and nearby terrain.

During the closure, CDOT is coordinating with partner agencies and local residents to allow extremely limited travel in the area, including for emergency services. In the event of an emergency, local residents should call 911 for assistance.

Travelers are encouraged to use COtrip.org for planning an alternate route around the area. Motorists traveling to the Colorado Highway 82 (Roaring Fork Valley) or Interstate 70 can detour around the closure via US Highway 50 and I-70. All real-time travel impacts will continue to be posted to COtrip.org

Commuters and local residents should plan on not being able to travel through the area during the closure, due to the size of the sinkhole.

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include: