State Seeks $65 Million to Repair Flood-Damaged Highways

Colorado state officials requested $65 million from the Federal Highway Administration to repair three major highways in southern Colorado. The request covers damage to U.S. 160, U.S. 550, and Colorado 151 caused by floods that occurred roughly one week apart. The state received 10% of the requested funds immediately. The Colorado Transportation Commission also provided an additional $5 million for emergency repairs.

More funding requests may follow as officials assess the damage from the second wave of flooding. The extent of that damage is not yet fully known. The recent surge damaged new sections of highways and disrupted repairs that were already underway. CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew stated that the roads have sustained serious damage. She added that the priority is to open the roads before winter arrives.

U.S. 160 remains closed in multiple areas. State transportation officials described the highway as a critical route in the region. Damage occurred at several points along a 100-mile stretch between Durango and South Fork. The highway serves as the main access route for communities including Pagosa Springs. CDOT Regional Transportation Director Julie Constan noted that residents rely on the route for commuting and transporting goods. She called the highway a lifeline for the region.

CDOT confirmed that U.S. 160 is closed in both directions between Forest Service Road 621 east of Bayfield and Pagosa Boulevard west of Pagosa Springs. At least five spots along this 30-mile stretch need emergency repairs. The highway is also closed through Pagosa Springs from Pike Drive to Paul Hood Place to allow for evacuation and emergency traffic. Further south, U.S. 160 is closed between Forest Service Road 667 east of Pagosa Springs and County Road 20 in South Fork. At least three sections along this 33-mile stretch sustained damage.

Other highways remained closed Tuesday morning. U.S. 285 is closed in both directions north of Monte Vista from Swede Lane to County Road 6N. Colorado 151 is closed south of Chimney Rock between Old Gallegos Road and Cabazon Canyon Road. Colorado 17 is closed from the New Mexico state line to Antonito. Flooding damaged a culvert near the border and undercut the highway between La Manga Pass summit and Horca. Colorado 112 is closed at River Road in Del Norte.

U.S. 550 reopened by Tuesday morning after closing north of Durango on Monday. Floodwaters had threatened the Hermosa Creek Bridge and covered the highway. Flooding along U.S. 160 collapsed bridges and created sinkholes. It also caused mudslides and rockfalls on Yellow Jacket Pass and Wolf Creek Pass. Local bridges and roads in Archuleta, La Plata, Rio Grande, and Conejos counties were also damaged.

Gov. Jared Polis requested a presidential major disaster declaration on Saturday. He estimated that $27 million in infrastructure was damaged across Archuleta and Rio Grande counties. That estimate does not include private property or new impacts from the Sunday floods. Polis said the state is working with local partners to assess impacts and restore services.

The Colorado National Guard activated after the first flood and rescued more than 50 people and 20 pets. FEMA Task Force 1 and local search-and-rescue groups joined the effort Monday. It is unknown how many people were stranded or rescued during the second flood.