The Colorado Department of Transportation is urging motorists to avoid travel during the current flood warnings and flood watches issued for southwest and south-central Colorado.
The CDOT press release was issued Friday, Oct. 23. It says:
If you must travel, avoid driving through flooded areas and never drive through closure gates or barricades.
Check the latest road conditions and traffic impacts on COtrip.orgor on the COtrip Planner app.
Multiple full closures remained in place across Southwest Colorado. Motorists should be prepared for additional safety closures in other areas of the region where significant flooding is creating roadway hazards. Safety closures may be extended due to weather conditions, water levels and highway damage.
Extended Safety Closures as of October 23 at 8 a.m.:
- US 550 (Mile Points 75 to 80) Red Mountain Pass between Silverton and Ouray
- US 160 (MP 133 to 137) just west of Pagosa Springs from Deer Trail Road to Elk Canyon Ranch Road/Hersch Ave
- US 160 (MP 143) downtown Pagosa Springs at McCabe Creek, between 7th Street and Lewis Street
- US 160 (MP 157 to 183) Wolf Creek Pass from the west side of the pass at Treasure Falls chain up station to South Fork
- CO 151 (MP 22 to 34) at Chimney Rock, from the US 160 junction to Arboles
- CO 17 (MP 0 to 38) Cumbres and La Manga Passes, from the New Mexico state line to Antonito
Motorist Safety
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.
CDOT Photo | On October 22 shoulder and travel lane damage due to flooding occurred on US 550, approximately four miles north of Silverton near the Ophir Pass turnoff.