As you are aware,
parts of our state are experiencing historic flooding with
catastrophic damage to the transportation network. To say what has
happened over the last week and over the weekend is unprecedented is an
understatement. As of today, we know that we have lost 30 state
highway bridges, with damage to 20 more, and another 20 structures that can’t
be reached for inspection. As state elected officials, we would like to
share with you the latest in our recovery work and where to find the up-to-date
information on highway closures.
Teams of Colorado
Department of Transportation (CDOT) maintenance and engineering personnel
worked through the weekend to assess infrastructure condition.
CDOT crews are continuing to evaluate infrastructure to ensure public
safety and provide estimates on what lies ahead for the recovery and
reconstruction. Once conditions are safe, it will
take several weeks to determine the actual extent and cost of damage
to our highway system. A special team from the Vermont Department
of Transportation is already in Colorado to share lessons and best practices
from their monumental recovery from Hurricane Irene. In
addition, CDOT is organizing regional meetings with local partners to
determine the full extent of the impact from this historic disaster and to
coordinate rebuilding efforts. Recovering from the flooding will be the
biggest challenge in our 100 year history, and perhaps the biggest challenge
CDOT will face in the next 100 years.
Below you will find
links to the latest information we have regarding closures. Please
note that the closures below are only for state highways and interstates.
Cities, counties and towns may have closed additional roads in their specific
area. For safety reasons, CDOT is recommending that travelers do not
stop on the highways to view the water or roadway damage.
You can also
find roadway and travel information at www.cotrip.org and on
your mobile device with the CDOT Mobile App. To download CDOT Mobile,
simply text “CDOT” to 25827 or search CDOT Mobile in your App Store
