Dear Action Line,
As we cyclists struggle up the grade to Coal Bank Pass, we encounter a sign that reads “Coal Bank Pass Summit 4 Miles.” By my observation, it’s only 3.71 miles to the top. Three-tenths of a mile isn’t much of an error when you’re driving, but it’s a different story on a bicycle. Could it be that this was deliberate, to make the ride more pleasant to all those out-of-towners, who’ll be arriving next week for the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic? – Signed, Curious Cyclist
Dear Curious Cyclist,
We appreciate the opportunity to write a timely Iron Horse Bicycle Classic column. Soon thousands of cyclists (myself included) will be gasping for air on Coal Bank Pass, wondering where on earth the top is.
The “4 Mile” sign is either comforting or intimidating. It’s only 4 miles, but then again, it feels like an eternity to complete the distance at 10,000 feet above sea level.
We enjoy a good theory, but it turns out that there is no grand conspiracy about the mis-placed road sign that you reference.
“Most signs are needed in an exact location, such as milepost signs or STOP signs,” wrote Lisa Schwantes of the Colorado Department of Transportation. “But other signs do not require an exact science. A sign that shows a moose image is installed along a stretch of roadway where it is needed, but also where crews can find ample shoulder and work area.”
CDOT said the sign on Coal Bank is intended as a general approximation. The department shared an image of an area that is closer to the actual 4-mile mark on Coal Bank, but there is little shoulder room and there is already a “curve ahead” sign installed there. That’s why the sign is further up the highway.
Now you know that when you see the sign, it’s not quite as far to the top as the sign suggests.
Iron Horse riders can also take solace in the fact that CDOT has been sweeping U.S. Highway 550 for the past couple of weeks and will continue to do so ahead of race day.
Cyclists will encounter some road work north of the Coal Bank Pass summit as they plunge down toward Molas Pass. This week, CDOT began two construction projects between mile points 56 and 60. It is replacing a wall near the summit and stabilizing a rock fall-laden hillside further down near Deer Creek.
Work will be paused during the race, but this road will still be reduced to one lane in these areas.
There are alternating traffic signals that will affect drivers heading to Silverton the morning of the race. The IHBC advises friends and families of racers to plan for an additional 30 to 45 minutes of travel time after passing Purgatory. The highway closes at Purgatory at 7:30 a.m. Saturday morning, so drivers should not leave Durango any later than 6:30 a.m.
Happy Iron Horse week – Durango’s officially unofficial kick off to summer.
Submit questions and rave information to actionline@durangoherald.com or mail questions to Action Line, The Durango Herald, 1275 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301.
