Section of Black Forest Road to close soon

El Paso County plans a $1.2 million repair job for a damaged section of Black Forest road about one-half mile north of Shoup Road.

County Engineer Andre Brackin said both shoulders of the damaged section have seriously eroded and threaten to compromise the road surface. The road itself currently does not need repair, he said.

Brackin said two culverts under the road are damaged from stronger flows and heavier sediment in Kettle Creek after the Black Forest Fire in June 2013. The plan is to replace the damaged culverts with new concrete culverts.

“Our feeling is if one big rainstorm comes along, it could really do a lot more damage,” Brackin said.

The road will close Nov. 1 and will remain closed for at least six months, Brackin said, while the county awaits federal money to help pay for repairs. He said the money should be available in February or March.

The county is required to provide a matching amount of $280,000 that must be allocated from next year’s budget. The projected completion date for repairs is July 2016.

The closure means a 3-mile detour along Shoup, Herring and Swan roads.

County officials said the closure will not interfere with residents getting in and out of private driveways.

The county also must negotiate with four property owners to pay for easements to allow workers access to the construction area.