CDOT requests $65 million in Federal Emergency Relief for Southwest Colorado flood damage

News Release

Southwest Colorado - The Colorado Department of Transportation is requesting federal emergency relief funds to repair significant flood damage to highways across Southwest Colorado as part of the Federal Highway Administration's Emergency Relief program. The request estimates $65 million in damage to federal-aid roadways and asks the Federal Highway Administration to release $6.5 million, or 10% of the total, through its quick release process so work can start immediately. In addition, the Transportation Commission has already approved $5 million in emergency funds to assist with immediate work as well.

"Colorado is taking swift action to help Southwest Colorado communities respond to and recover from this dangerous flooding. I mobilized nearly 100 National Guard members for evacuations and search and rescue and the Transportation Commission approved $5 million in state emergency funds to help repair roads and restore access to communities. The State is requesting federal support to help us quickly make repairs before winter so Coloradans can safely reach home, work, and school," said Governor Jared Polis.

Severe storms from Oct. 22 through Oct. 25 brought rainfall totals of up to seven inches in areas like Pagosa Springs. Flooding topped four feet on some federal-aid roadways at its peak and closed multiple state and local roads. Governor Jared Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency on Oct. 22 for La Plata, Archuleta, Montezuma, Dolores, Hinsdale, San Miguel, Ouray, San Juan, Mineral, Alamosa and Rio Grande counties.

"CDOT is working around the clock to get critical roadways like US Highway 550, US Highway 160, and Colorado Highway 151 open as soon as it is safe and possible," said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. "Our team has already done incredible work to restore access, and will continue to do so. We know from experience that the Federal Highway Administration is a tremendous partner when we encounter emergencies, and we truly appreciate their quick engagement as we work in real time to determine damages and repair needs to keep Southwest Colorado moving. We appreciate FHWA's consideration of our request."

"We know that the communities across Southwest Colorado need our collective support right now, and CDOT is taking quick action to restore mobility and keep them moving," said Colorado Transportation Commissioner Barbara H. McLachlan. "The team has been hard at work since flooding began, to prioritize safety of the traveling public, mitigate flood damage and make way for permanent repairs. We appreciate our vital partnership with the Federal Highway Administration and are submitting the request to begin the process of seeking emergency relief funds to fix roads and bridges."

Three highways sustained significant structural damage:

• US 160: Wolf Creek Pass between Pagosa Springs and South Fork reopened at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27, but sustained serious damage including a failed culvert, a damaged retaining wall and roadway undercut by the Rio Grande. West of Pagosa Springs, one-way alternating traffic is in place. Floodwaters have receded and inspections have confirmed it is safe to open the US 160 Four Corners Bridge as of 6:20 p.m. Oct 27. These reopenings occurred after the letter to FHWA was sent.

• US 550: Between Ironton and Silverton on Red Mountain Pass, a washed-out embankment and shoulder are being stabilized. The highway is open to one-lane alternating traffic.

• CO 151: The highway was washed out in two locations near mile points 27 and 30. CDOT is planning a temporary access road for residents and emergency responders, followed by permanent reconstruction.

Five other state highways closed during the storms: US 285, CO 112, CO 17, CO 145 and US 550 at Bondad Bridge. All have since reopened.

"CDOT Region 5 has been doing a tremendous job keeping as much access open as possible given significant damages to some of our most critical roadways," said CDOT Southwest Transportation Director Julie Constan. "For example, getting US 550 open this weekend took quick work by the team to stop the damage being done by a plugged culvert, and then design a safe one-lane access. Unfortunately though, some of the damage will take time to permanently repair. We are in it for the long haul."

The $65 million figure is a preliminary estimate. High water has kept crews from fully inspecting bridges and other structures, and CDOT expects to provide a more accurate estimate in eight to ten weeks. Additional funding requests may follow as assessments continue.

Here is CDOT's letter to Federal Highway Administrator Sean McMaster.

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:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
• Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
• Check scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

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!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!

About CDOT

The Colorado Department of Transportation's mission is to provide the best multi-modal transportation system that most effectively and safely moves people, goods and information. CDOT maintains more than 23,000 lane miles of highway, more than 3,400 bridges and 35 mountain passes. Our team of employees works tirelessly to reduce the rate and severity of crashes and improve the safety of all modes of transportation. CDOT leverages partnerships with a range of private and public organizations and operates Bustang, an interregional express bus service. Find more details at codot.gov.