Reconstruction of the rockslide-damaged Colorado Highway 145 between Cortez and Telluride has begun. Over the Memorial Day weekend, a section of the highway was destroyed by massive rockslide. Contractor Williams Construction of Norwood has been hired to make the repairs. The reconstruction work started Tuesday, and is expected to last up to 30 working days, or wrapping up possibly by mid-July.
CO 145 will not be rerouted or realigned. The highway will maintain its original alignment. The estimated cost of the initial emergency response, blasting, temporary repairs and the permanent reconstruction is estimated at $1.3 million.
The reconstruction will include:
Widening of the road surface to allow for additional shoulder space. New guardrail installed on the east side of the highway to ensure the safety and protection of passing vehicles from one the massive boulders that remains on the side of the road.An embankment built on the west side (slope side) of the highway to catch any future potential mud or rock slides from reaching the highway.Relocation of a utility fiber optic line.For travel impacts and scheduled lane closures, visit www.codot.gov/travel/scheduled-lane-closures.html.
