New flash flood protocol for Highway 24 begins

The Colorado Department of Transportation says its new flash flood protocol for U.S. 24 through Ute Pass begins today.

Beginning Friday, May 1 , when flash flooding is in the forecast, or when rainfall and ground saturation conditions warrant, CDOT Maintenance crews will be dispatched to three locations along the corridor – at Cave of the Winds Road, at Cascade and in the Green Mountain Falls area.?

CDOT will no longer preemptively close the highway just because a flash flood warning has been issued. Crews will remain in place and if flooding or debris flow begins to impact the highway, it will immediately be closed to all traffic.

“We understood the preemptive closures were creating a hardship for residents and businesses alike to the west of Colorado Springs so we reviewed how best to still keep traffic moving without compromising public safety,” said CDOT Regional Transportation Director Karen Rowe. “We believe this new protocol is the best option for everybody who travels Highway 24.”

When a storm does hit the area, a plow truck will continuously travel up and down the corridor for monitoring purposes, ensuring water or debris flow is remaining off the roadway. If the highway needs to be closed, CDOT and the Colorado State Patrol will then sweep the corridor to ensure there are no individuals and/or vehicles remaining in the closure area.

Before the highway is reopened to traffic, CDOT will assess the condition of the roadway, making sure any storm-related debris has been removed and the highway is safe for travel.

This protocol continues throughSeptember 30, 2015.