The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) 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 percent 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 Gov. Jared Polis.
Severe storms from Oct. 22 through Oct. 25 brought rainfall totals of up to 7 inches in areas like Pagosa Springs. Flooding topped 4 feet on some federal-aid roadways at its peak and closed multiple state and local roads. 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 U.S. Highway 550, U.S. 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 are tremendous partners when we encounter emergencies, and we truly appreciate their quick engagement as we work 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 today’s request to begin the process of seeking emergency relief funds to fix roads and bridges.”
Three highways sustained significant structural damage:
U.S. 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 U.S. 160 Four Corners Bridge as of 6:20 p.m. Oct 27. These reopenings occurred after the letter to FHWA was sent.
U.S. 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.
Colo. 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: U.S. 285, Colo. 112, Colo. 17, Colo. 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 U.S. 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 10 weeks. Additional funding requests may follow as assessments continue.
Here is CDOT’s letter to Federal Highway Administrator Sean McMaster.
>