Floods continue to impact travel throughout southwest Colorado and the Four Corners region

Torrential rains and flooding have impacted travel across southwestern Colorado and the Four Corners region since mid-week. Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) personnel, including maintenance, engineers and hydrologists, have responded to emergency incidents on several highways in the region since the storm event began on Wednesday evening. 

Travelers are urged to be aware that flooding continues to impact travel throughout the greater southwest; always check local forecasts and road conditions. Streams and rivers will continue to rise even after rain storms pass. Avoid travel during flood warnings and watches if possible. If detour routes are suggested through neighboring states, check local road conditions by visiting: NMroads.com, AZ511.gov and udottraffic.utah.gov. 

Regional highway closures 

More than a dozen emergency closures have occurred over the past several days throughout the region. As of Oct. 25, Sunday afternoon, three major closures remain in place due to critical roadway damage and continued flooding.

To ensure sustained public safety, CDOT traffic control coordinates with local agencies to allow emergency responders access through the closures. 

U.S. 160 San Juan River Bridge near the Four Corners (mile point 1 to 18)

U.S. 160 remains closed to thru traffic between Cortez and Tec Nos Pos, Ariz.. Motorists traveling through the Four Corners area are advised to detour north on U.S. 491 between Cortez and Monticello, Utah. Colo. 41 (Utah 162) between Cortez and Bluff, Utah, is not a thru route due to flooding impacts. The San Juan River Bridge remains closed since Friday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m. after a safety closure was put in place due to rising river levels. The bridge will remain closed until flood flows decrease and inspections can be conducted to ensure the bridge structure is stable and safe for the traveling public. Be aware that flooding continues to impact travel throughout the Four Corners area. Always check local detour routes suggested through neighboring states, visit: NMroads.com, AZ511.gov and udottraffic.utah.gov. 

Colo. 151 south of Chimney Rock (MP 22 to 34)

Colo. 151 sustained critical damage. A segment of roadway was washed away by flood waters about 7 miles south of the U.S. 160 junction. CDOT has begun planning for emergency reconstruction repairs, which includes the installment of a temporary access road for local residents and emergency responders. CDOT advises local residents to not use county roads or side roads to access Colo. 151 within the road closure. Colo. 151 is impassable between the closure points. 

U.S. 160 Wolf Creek Pass (MP 150 to 183)

Wolf Creek Pass, from north of Pagosa Springs to South Fork remains closed. At least three locations on the highway within this 33-mile closure have sustained damage, in need of emergency repairs.  

• Damaged culvert, MP 150: Flooding caused a culvert to fail 5 miles north of Pagosa Springs. The roadway developed a sink hole due to the damaged culvert. Drainage inspections and road repairs will need to be completed when conditions allow.   

• Damaged retaining wall, MP 161: Torrential rains and heavy runoff have caused damage to a retaining wall that supports the highway. Significant repairs are needed at this location near the Wolf Creek Valley Scenic Overlook. 

• Damaged highway, MP 176 to 180: Flooding of the South Fork of the Rio Grande has caused shoulder damage and undercutting of the roadway along a 3- to 4-mile stretch of the highway. Flood water levels within the river channel next to the highway have been high, covering the road in some sections and making stabilization work difficult. It is not known when the highway will open. 

Some previous emergency closures now opened to travel 

Swift repairs have been performed at some emergency closure locations. Additional work and reconstruction will be required at these locations. Inspections will also be needed of highway road surfaces, sub-surfaces, culverts and bridges. Most of the locations are open with one-lane alternating traffic in place guided by flagging personnel, lead cars or temporary light signals. 

U.S. 160 west of Pagosa Springs (MP 133 to 137) 
U.S. 160 between Pagosa Springs and Durango opened to one-way alternating traffic at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24. Motorists can expect full stops and single-lane traffic guided by a temporary signal and pilot vehicle until a more permanent fix can be completed in the coming weeks. Intermittent lengthy delays may be necessary to allow for heavy equipment and material delivery. The highway was fully closed late Thursday evening after flooding caused significant damage to the eastbound travel lane between Deer Trail and Elk Canyon/Hersch Avenue. 

U.S. 550 Red Mountain Pass (MP 75 to 80) 
U.S. 550 opened between Silverton and Ouray Friday afternoon just before 5 p.m. after maintenance crews completed a temporary fix to repair the damaged shoulder and part of the travel lane. Travel is currently limited to one-lane alternating traffic, controlled by a portable light signal. Motorists can expect full stops, brief delays and are urged to drive with caution. Additional work will continue at this location in the coming weeks. The highway was previously closed shortly after 3 p.m. on Thursday afternoon due to flooding concerns and roadway damage.  

U.S. 285 north of Monte Vista (MP 51 to 56)

U.S. 285 north of Monte Vista opened to travel on Sunday at 1:40 p.m. after CDOT officials inspected the highway, culverts and the Rio Grande Bridge for structural integrity. The highway previously closed just before 5 a.m. on Saturday morning due to critical flooding. 

Colo. 112 Del Norte to Center (MP 1 to 13) 

Colo. 112 Rio Grande Bridge in Del Norte opened to travel shortly after 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25. Prior to opening, CDOT officials inspected the bridge structure for structural integrity after the Rio Grande water flow levels receded. The highway previously closed on Friday afternoon at 4 p.m. due to high river levels and localized flooding. 

Colo. 17 Antonito to New Mexico state line (MP 0 to 38)

Colo. 17 opened to travel in both directions at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24. The highway was previously closed early Friday morning at 2:45 a.m. due to safety concerns and flooding.

Motorist safety during floods 

When motorists drive up onto a flooded area, there are several precautions to follow.  

• Never drive through any flooded area, you do not know how deep or how fast the water is running. 

• If you are stuck on the roadway during a closure it is best to remain in your vehicle unless absolutely necessary.

• Even 8-10 inches of water can float an average-sized car, which can be easily swept off the road. 

• Driving too fast on wet roads or in flooded areas can cause a vehicle to hydroplane. Never use your cruise control during rainy conditions with standing water on the roadway.

• Any amount of flooding or mud can obstruct the roadway and hinder drivers from knowing exactly where to drive. If you cannot see the roadway, be smart and wait for the water to subside. 

• Water and mud can contain unknown hazards hidden under the surface — rocks or other debris, like plant material and tree branches.

Be prepared 

Highway closures can last for as little as a few minutes or for as long as several hours. When drivers set out on a trip, especially through high country roads, it is wise to have the car supplied with an emergency kit. The kit should contain at the very minimum: water, snacks, flashlight and a blanket. Remember to also carry water for your pets if you’re traveling with animals. You may even consider packing some items to keep you or children occupied while waiting in the car. Activity books, colored pencils or a deck of cards can help pass the time.   

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

• See scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures

• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.