Federal agency grants $6.5 million for urgent Colorado road fixes

The Federal Highway Administration approved a $6.5 million request from the Colorado Department of Transportation on Friday. This funding is designated for immediate repairs to highways in southern Colorado that were damaged by last week's severe flooding. The state requested the money earlier in the week to begin work before winter weather conditions set in.

CDOT estimates the floods caused $65 million in damage to three federal-aid routes: U.S. 160, U.S. 550, and Colorado 151. The agency asked the federal government to release 10% of that total through a quick-release process. State officials said the new funds will go toward restoring roadway capacity. Governor Jared Polis stated that crews are working around the clock to clear debris and repave roads so that residents and goods can move across the state.

Colorado’s Transportation Commission also approved $5 million in state emergency funds for the same three highways. CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew noted that winter makes highway maintenance difficult in mountain terrain. She said restoring functionality to critical routes like U.S. 550 and U.S. 160 is imperative.

Heavy rainfall from October 22 to October 25 delivered up to seven inches of rain to southwest Colorado. The flooding reached four feet on some federal-aid roadways. Archuleta County officials reported that roughly a quarter of all roads in the county remained impassable earlier this week. A National Weather Service forecast predicts more heavy rain, snow, and flooding this weekend. Local officials have urged residents to evacuate before the storm arrives.

As of Saturday morning, Colorado 151 remained closed in both directions southwest of Pagosa Springs. Floodwaters destroyed two sections of the highway south of the U.S. 160 junction, leading to a long-term closure. U.S. 160 operated on alternating one-way traffic in two areas: between Oak Ridge Drive and Archuleta County Road 139 west of Pagosa Springs, and between Forest Service Road 667 and Rio Grande County Road 20 south of South Fork.

State transportation officials identified serious damage on the section of U.S. 160 between Pagosa Springs and South Fork. The damage includes a failed culvert, a damaged retaining wall, and roadbed undercut by the Rio Grande River. High water has prevented crews from fully inspecting bridges and other structures. CDOT expects to provide a more accurate damage estimate in eight to 10 weeks.