The Colorado Department of Transportation has requested $65 million in Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief program funds to repair flood damage to highways throughout Southwest Colorado. The department requests $6.5 million be released through the quick release process so work can begin immediately.
From Oct. 22 to Oct. 25, rainfall totaled up to seven inches and on some federal-aid roadways flooding surpassed four feet. Multiple state and local roads were closed, and Gov. Jared Polis declared a disaster emergency for 11 counties.
“The state is requesting federal support to help us quickly make repairs before winter so Coloradans can safely reach home, work, and school,” Polis said.
The $65 million is a preliminary estimate, and the department expects to provide a more accurate estimate in eight to 10 weeks after crews fully inspect bridges and other structures.
US 160, US 550 and CO 151 sustained significant structural damage. Sections of US 160 have reopened, but damage includes a failed culvert, a damaged retaining wall and roadway undercut. US 550 is open to one-lane alternating traffic. CO 151 was washed out in two locations and remains closed. Five other state highways closed during the storms but have since reopened.
Colorado’s Transportation Commission has approved $5 million in emergency funds.