U.S. 24 flash flood protocol unchanged in 2016
The Colorado Department of Transportation says its plan for dealing with flash flooding on U.S. 24 in Ute Pass is the same this year as it was last year.
CDOT’s flash flooding protocol for the stretch of highway between Manitou Springs and Woodland Park began on May 1 and lasts through September 30.
Under the plan, CDOT crews will monitor the highway at Cave of the Winds Road, Cascade and Green Mountain Falls whenever the weather turns stormy.
If a storm does hit the area, CDOT will not preemptively close the highway. Instead, plow trucks will travel the corridor to ensure water and debris remains off the roadway.
If flooding or debris begins to impact Highway 24, the highway will be closed to traffic. Crews will then sweep the corridor to ensure there are no vehicles or people stuck inside the closure area.
If the highway closes, it will reopen after debris is removed and it is evaluated for damage.
“When flooding on Ute Pass became a problem in 2013, after the Waldo Canyon Fire, we would preemptively close the highway for safety reasons whenever there was a threat of rain in the area,” said CDOT Maintenance Foreman Kenny Quintana. “But that was creating a hardship for residents and businesses alike. So last year, we implemented the new protocol. Even though we didn’t receive any heavy rain storms last season, it still seems to be the best option for now, from both a public safety standpoint and for people who need to travel Highway 24.”
