North Cheyenne Caon flood damage work continues

Repairs to flood-damaged trails and roads in a popular southwest Colorado Springs hiking area are expected to last another three to six weeks.

According to the city’s department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Service, work is focused along North Cheyenne Caon Road. The area sustained significant erosion damage after heavy rains in September 2013.

Repairs, however, didn’t begin until early December 2014, when the city acquired a $515,000 federal grant.

“It’s worse than I thought,” said Robin Finlen, while visiting the area for the first time since the flooding. “The roads are pretty bad. It’s devastating.”

One aspect of the work will close part the road during the day this week, between the Middle Columbine Trail head and Helen Hunt Falls, to allow replace a culvert and repair other damage.

The Mount Cutler trail remains closed weekdays while workers build two retaining walls above a pedestrian bridge.

“I came here once right after they closed it,” said Devon Burns, who hiked the trail Sunday. “But some of the repairs have been really good. Seems like the trail is a lot safer.”

Also being repaired are High Drive and Bear Creek Road, which sustained erosion, culverts and ditches. The roads are closed to vehicular traffic but open to pedestrians and bicycles.

A visitor from Texas was disappointed to find the trail at Helen Hunt Falls closed.

“I didn’t know there was flooding here,” said Abdinia Kian. “Hopefully, next time we’ll get up that trail.”

The city said workers have made good progress on repairs despite being slowed by cold weather and snow.