Road reopened after mudslide disrupts traffic on Hwy 24

A mudslide Monday evening caused a big mess and traffic delays on Highway 24 near Cascade.

The slide happened across the road from Eagle’s Nest Wellness Center at about 6:20 p.m.

A messy mix of mud, ash, rocks, and water washed out the west-bound lanes.

For several hours, traffic was reduced to one lane in each direction as C-DOT crews used heavy equipment to clear the road.

A C-DOT worker estimated the Waldo Canyon burn scar is about 100 yards from Highway 24 where the slide went down over the road. He said the area will be a big problem spot, not only this summer, but for the next three to four years.

El Paso County sheriff’s office patrols have been monitoring Highway 24 since the Waldo Canyon Fire started. Crews got there quickly after Monday’s slide.

“We’ve been planning for this,” said EPSO Sgt. Mike Schaller. “At the sheriff’s office, we’ve staffed a deputy to be monitoring the area. Fortunately that deputy and another deputy were in the area when this happened, as well as two troopers from state patrol.”