UPDATE: Colorado Highway 3 is closed for two weeks as urgent rockfall mitigation work begins following significant damage caused by falling rocks. The closure, effective immediately, is necessary to ensure the safety of motorists and workers while repairs are made to the retaining fence that protects the road.
Just announced by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the mitigation effort is spearheaded by geohazards geologist Regan French. She highlighted the seriousness of the situation, stating, “It’s not really safe for anyone to travel while this fence is completely open.”
The damage was discovered shortly before New Year’s, when rocks from the sandstone cliffs above the highway struck a support post of the retaining fence, a crucial structure designed to catch falling debris. French described the situation as akin to receiving an early Christmas gift, mentioning, “A bunch of rocks had fallen. I was able to get out here the following week, right before New Year’s, to take a look at it.”
The southern portion of Colorado Highway 3, which runs alongside the picturesque Animas River, is a vital route for residents and visitors in Durango. This area has a history of rockfall, necessitating ongoing management by CDOT to keep the roadway safe. The project commenced on Monday, with workers from Apex Rockfall Mitigation LLC deploying the necessary equipment to clear loose rocks and prepare for repairs.
On-site, workers are using a two-rope rappel system to secure themselves as they carefully dislodge rocks from the cliff face. This initial phase of dropping loose rocks is critical for the subsequent reinforcement of the retaining fence. French noted, “The next phase, we’re going to simultaneously drill rock anchors for those new posts and downsize that rock.”
The urgency of this project cannot be overstated. In addition to repairing the retaining fence, CDOT is seizing the opportunity to perform additional maintenance work on Highway 3, including sealing cracks in the road surface. The entire project is scheduled for completion by March 20, 2024.
French emphasized the importance of rockfall mitigation in Colorado, stating, “Colorado has got to be one of the No. 1 states that has to deal with rockfall mitigation.” To enhance their efforts, CDOT is developing an asset management platform to catalog and effectively manage slopes throughout the state.
As the situation develops, residents and travelers are advised to seek alternative routes during this closure. CDOT is committed to ensuring the safety of all road users while diligently working to restore normalcy to this crucial highway. Stay tuned for updates as this urgent situation unfolds.
