Gov. John Hickenlooper will join the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) on Monday, Nov. 11, to mark the official reopening of State Highway (SH) 72 between SH 93 and SH 119.
“We are excited to announce the second highway opening in the past week,” Hickenlooper said. “Each day we move closer to reopening more roadways and reconnecting communities. We are grateful to CDOT, local communities and other partners for all of their efforts since the floods to reopen SH 72.”
WHO: Gov. Hickenlooper will join representatives from CDOT, Jefferson County and the Coal Creek Canyon Fire Department.
WHEN: 11:30 a.m., Monday, Nov. 11
WHERE: On State Highway 72 near milepost 14.5 mile, approximately 1.5 miles past the hard closure on the SH 93 side of the canyon. The event location is just west of La DuWaik Estates on the right side. Flaggers will be on site to assist with parking in the area.
VISUALS: Gov. Hickenlooper, CDOT Executive Director Don Hunt and local officials will cut the ribbon to officially open SH 72 to all traffic. Immediately after the event, SH 72 will open to through traffic in the canyon for the first time since the September floods.
Showing posts with label roads. Show all posts
Showing posts with label roads. Show all posts
U.S. 36 between Lyons and Estes Park opens ahead of schedule
Gov. John Hickenlooper today announced that the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the National Guard completely reopened U.S. 36 between Lyons and Estes Park nearly one month ahead of the earlier anticipated Dec. 1 opening.
“Less than two months ago, this highway and surrounding communities suffered tremendous devastation following the floods,” Hickenlooper said. “Through hard work, partnerships among CDOT and the National Guard and amazing support from local communities, we can now celebrate the opening of this critical highway as we continue to reconnect and rebuild communities.”
To complete the temporary repairs along the 17-mile stretch of U.S. 36, crews utilized more than 75 pieces of equipment, hauled 34,200 cubic yards of fill, removed 1,155 feet of guardrail, placed more than 2,100 cubic yards of asphalt and reused 12,690 cubic yards of existing material.
“Returning access to our communities is so rewarding,” said Brig. Gen. Peter Byrne, commander of the Colorado National Guard’s Joint Task Force – Centennial. “This effort has been a hallmark of partnership, from the direction of CDOT, to the cooperation of our neighboring states which provided additional National Guard engineers. I am so proud of my team and our partners, but mostly of the resilience of our Colorado communities.”
While U.S. 36 is completely open to traffic and will be plowed throughout the winter, the repairs are temporary and the speed limit will be reduced. CDOT will move forward on design of the final repairs this winter with work beginning spring 2014.
“Less than two months ago, this highway and surrounding communities suffered tremendous devastation following the floods,” Hickenlooper said. “Through hard work, partnerships among CDOT and the National Guard and amazing support from local communities, we can now celebrate the opening of this critical highway as we continue to reconnect and rebuild communities.”
To complete the temporary repairs along the 17-mile stretch of U.S. 36, crews utilized more than 75 pieces of equipment, hauled 34,200 cubic yards of fill, removed 1,155 feet of guardrail, placed more than 2,100 cubic yards of asphalt and reused 12,690 cubic yards of existing material.
“Returning access to our communities is so rewarding,” said Brig. Gen. Peter Byrne, commander of the Colorado National Guard’s Joint Task Force – Centennial. “This effort has been a hallmark of partnership, from the direction of CDOT, to the cooperation of our neighboring states which provided additional National Guard engineers. I am so proud of my team and our partners, but mostly of the resilience of our Colorado communities.”
While U.S. 36 is completely open to traffic and will be plowed throughout the winter, the repairs are temporary and the speed limit will be reduced. CDOT will move forward on design of the final repairs this winter with work beginning spring 2014.
U.S. 36 between Lyons and Estes Park will open Monday, other recovery efforts moving forward
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Office of Gov. John Hickenlooper and ColoradoUnited.com
DENVER — Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013 — U.S. 36 between Lyons and Estes Park will reopen Monday, Nov. 4, several weeks ahead of schedule after National Guard troops from various states and the Colorado Department of Transportation worked around the clock to repair the highway.
“Rebuilding state roadways damaged by the flood is critical to getting people back in their homes and businesses completely reopening,” Gov. John Hickenlooper said. “We are very grateful for the men and women from CDOT, the National Guard and the Colorado State Patrol for their work to repair U.S. 36. Their efforts, along with Larimer and Boulder counties, made it possible to reopen the highway much earlier than expected.”
CDOT crews were joined in recent weeks by Army and Air National Guard troops from Colorado, Montana, Utah and Kansas to repair U.S. 36. Other recovery updates include:
Roadway Recovery on Track
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is reporting steady progress in road recovery:
- On Tuesday, Oct. 29, at an event in Longmont, representatives of the National Guard, the State of Colorado and the local community saluted the partnership that made reopening U.S. 36 early possible. More than 700 attended the event.
- CDOT expects to open U.S. 34 B in Greeley by the end of this week, providing a critical trucking route through northeastern Colorado.
- 78 percent of state and federal roadways are now open, with the remaining on track for opening by Dec. 1.
- U.S. 34 is open from Estes Park to Drake, for local access only.
- U.S. 36 is open from Blue Mountain Road to Apple Valley Road, for local access only.
Recovery Office reports Significant Progress
With nearly 1,500 skilled resources focused on the recovery effort, the Recovery Office reported:
- About 1,000 Lyons residents returned to their homes last weekend, Xcel Energy relit most pilot lights for natural gas, water service was restored to about 90 percent of the town and most of the sewer system is operating.
- FEMA has approved $49 million in Individual Assistance.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $48.7 million in low-interest disaster loans to Colorado homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations.
- The U.S. Department of Education’s Project SERV has granted $750,000 for flood-impacted Colorado schools to reimburse districts for expenses to return to safe, secure and healthy operations.
- The Colorado Department of Labor & Employment has received a grant of more than $4.6 million in national emergency funds from the U.S Department of Labor. The funds are designated to help people secure jobs related to the recovery effort.
- Fundraising and volunteer efforts gained momentum this past week with more than $10 million raised in support of the Red Cross, United Way and HelpColoradoNow. Two notable events were the Colorado Rising benefit concert featuring Dave Matthews, The Fray and other Colorado Musicians on Oct. 27 and Lakewood High School’s winning Katy Perry’s ROAR contest with proceeds supporting disaster recovery nationwide.
People Access ColoradoUnited.com for Information and Resources
With more than 11,000 visitors since its launch, ColoradoUnited.com continues to provide information and resources about the flood recovery. Subject experts have provided the promised 24-hour response to all inquiries received via the Contact Us page.
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About ColoradoUnited
Gov. John Hickenlooper appointed Jerre Stead, executive chairman of Englewood-based IHS Inc., to be the state’s Chief Recovery Officer. The Recovery Team is focused on making Colorado more innovative, safer and resilient in its infrastructure, community and environment. Go to www.ColoradoUnited.com for more information.
Gov. Hickenlooper announces a roadway reopening, funds for water systems and a benefit concert
Gov. John Hickenlooper today announced several significant improvements and resources for communities recovering from the historic September floods: the Colorado Department of Transportation will reopen a section of US 34 to residents; the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will offer grants to repair flood-damaged water and waste systems and water quality testing and the Colorado Water Conservation Board will provide low-interest loans for water systems repairs; and a benefit concert on Sunday, Oct. 27 with several of Colorado’s favorite musicians for flood recovery efforts.
“We are leveraging all available resources from the federal government, local businesses and communities to repair and rebuild Colorado after the historic September flooding,” Hickenlooper said. “We want to thank everyone involved in helping impacted communities recover quickly. We have more work to do across the state, but our resolve is strong.”
As of today over 80 percent of roads damaged by the September floods are open and CDOT is on pace to have all damaged roads open by Dec. 1. CDOT has completed inspections of the 411 state owned bridges impacted by the floods and the inspectors determined that 120 bridges are in need of repair and no bridges were destroyed. CDOT continues outreach to residents in other corridors to discuss progress on roadway construction.
The Colorado Water Conservation Board will make available $15 million for low-interest loans and $1.65 million in grants to help water providers start repairing flood-damaged systems. The loans carry a 30-year term with 0 percent interest the first three years. Click here for more information.
All proceeds from the concert will go directly to LiveUnitedColorado.org, which was formed by United Way chapters across Colorado to help people affected by last month's deadly and devastating floods. Rival concert promoters AEG Live Rocky Mountains and Live Nation announced the concert, which is being presented by radio station KBCO and TV station KCNC.
“We are leveraging all available resources from the federal government, local businesses and communities to repair and rebuild Colorado after the historic September flooding,” Hickenlooper said. “We want to thank everyone involved in helping impacted communities recover quickly. We have more work to do across the state, but our resolve is strong.”
US 34 Road Recovery
Significant progress has been made on US 34 to reestablish access for residents only between Estes Park and Drake. As of noon Sunday, Oct. 20, US 34 will open from Estes Park to Drake for canyon residents to come and go at any time. Access to Drake is being restricted to residents only.As of today over 80 percent of roads damaged by the September floods are open and CDOT is on pace to have all damaged roads open by Dec. 1. CDOT has completed inspections of the 411 state owned bridges impacted by the floods and the inspectors determined that 120 bridges are in need of repair and no bridges were destroyed. CDOT continues outreach to residents in other corridors to discuss progress on roadway construction.
Water Systems Recovery
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) will facilitate $2 million in grant funding provided by the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority to help communities in FEMA-designated flood counties that sustained damage to drinking water and waste water systems. The Water Quality Control Division at CDPHE will review submitted applications and work with the Authority on the grant awards. The application provides grant criteria and the deadline is Nov. 8.The Colorado Water Conservation Board will make available $15 million for low-interest loans and $1.65 million in grants to help water providers start repairing flood-damaged systems. The loans carry a 30-year term with 0 percent interest the first three years. Click here for more information.
Colorado Rising Benefit Concert
A benefit concert, Colorado Rising, has been organized by some of Colorado's best-known musicians to raise money for flood relief efforts. The Sunday, Oct. 27 concert will be at 1stBank Center in Broomfield. Musicians scheduled to perform include Dave Matthews, The Fray, Big Head Todd and The Monsters, DeVotchKa, Nathaniel Rateliff and members of The Lumineers.All proceeds from the concert will go directly to LiveUnitedColorado.org, which was formed by United Way chapters across Colorado to help people affected by last month's deadly and devastating floods. Rival concert promoters AEG Live Rocky Mountains and Live Nation announced the concert, which is being presented by radio station KBCO and TV station KCNC.
Larimer County connects more than 600 properties this week for vehicle access!
Information from Larimer County Community Information Manager.
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Highlights:
- Vehicular access has been restored to both Storm Mountain and Crystal Mountain in unincorporated Larimer County through the construction of pioneer roads in the wake of the devastating floods. Pioneer roads are rough, temporary roads.
- Work on a pioneer road from Drake towards Glen Haven on CR 43 (Devil's Gulch Road) has reached the Storm Mountain Road. Residents can access the Cedar Park / Cedar Springs subdivisions on Storm Mountain utilizing US 34 from Estes Park to Drake. Access is for residents only (credentials required) and is only allowed on Sunday from noon until 5 pm.
- Access to Crystal Mountain off of Buckhorn Canyon (CR 44H) has also been restored via Pingree Park and Pennock Pass. Work on the pioneer road in the canyon continues from both ends.
Information is detailed in the weekly Transportation Bulletin available at the County’s flood page on the Virtual Courthouse for complete details: http://www.larimer.org/flooding2013/. Citizens are encouraged to subscribe to the web site to receive information automatically as it is published.
Documents to Download
Gov. Hickenlooper makes $65.5 million more available for flood recovery, CDOT announces opening dates for highways
Media Release from the Gov. Office
Gov. John Hickenlooper signed an Executive Order today that makes $65.5 million more available for flood response and recovery. This brings the total state funds available to $91.5 million.“There is great urgency to get flood recovery efforts underway as quickly as possible,” Hickenlooper said. “This money will help local communities rebuild now instead of waiting for other recovery dollars to arrive.”
The governor today also joined the Colorado Department of Transportation to announce estimated opening dates for many highways. The ultimate goal is to complete temporary or permanent repairs to restore mobility on these state highway routes by Dec. 1, 2013.
The total cost of permanent repairs on Colorado’s highways is now estimated at $475 million.
The governor’s Executive Order signed today transfers $15.5 million from the Controlled Maintenance Trust Fund and $50 million from the Medical Services Premiums appropriation in the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to the Disaster Emergency Fund. Current projections indicate there will be money available above the enacted budget to accommodate this change.
“The Director of the Office of Emergency Management is hereby authorized and directed to allocate the funding to the appropriate government agencies and non-profit organizations and execute awards, purchase orders or other mechanisms to effect the allocation of the funds,” the order says.
The order also authorizes the Director of the Office of Emergency Management to allocate up to $20 million for short-term, no interest loans to provide any political subdivision of the state with short-term capital needed for flood response and recovery.
CDOT has updated its list of closed highways and estimated reopening dates. All estimated openings are weather dependent and could change based on the conditions of the highway once crews begin the extensive repairs. In addition, some of the corridors will reopen in a temporary state meaning a gravel road or a one-lane configuration. Here is the current roadway schedule:
- US 34 between CR 27 and Estes Park: The contractor began the damage assessment this week. More information to come soon, but the goal is to reopen US 34 in a temporary state by December 1, 2013.
- US 34 between CR 27 and the Dam Store: This two-mile stretch of US 34 is scheduled to reopen by the end of September or early October 2013.
- US 34 between Greeley and Kersey: This section of US 34 will reopen to traffic in late September or early October 2013 as a temporary road. Paving will occur after the highway opens to traffic.
- US 34 between 37th Street to CR 49 in Greeley: This section of US 34 Business will reopen to traffic in early to mid-October 2013.
- US 36 between Lyons and Estes Park: The National Guard is working with CDOT to make temporary repairs. The highway is scheduled to reopening by December 1, 2013.
- US 36 south of SH 66: The location on US 36 has been closed due to a damaged bridge. The repairs are nearly complete and is scheduled to open to one-lane alternating traffic by tomorrow. This will allow motorists to travel from Boulder to SH 66.
- State Highway (SH) 7 between Lyons and Estes Park: The contractor began the damage assessment this week. More information to come soon, but the goal is to reopen SH 7 in a temporary state by December 1, 2013.
- SH 39 between Goodrich and I-76 and SH 144 between US 34 and Weldona: The contractor is just now able to mobilize now that the water has receded. More information to come soon.
- SH 71 near Snyder: The contractor is just now able to mobilize now that the water has receded. More information to come soon.
- SH 72 between SH 93 and SH 119: Repairs are underway and should be completed by the end of November 2013.
- SH 119 between Boulder and Nederland: SH 119 is scheduled to reopen in mid to late October 2013.
- SH 144 between US 34 and Weldona: The contractor is just now able to mobilize now that the water has receded. More information to come soon.
- SH 257 between SH 60 in Milliken to US 34: This section of SH 257 is scheduled to reopen by the end of September 2013.
CDOT will continue to work with local law enforcement and contractors to facilitate resident and property owner access to the roadways during construction, where possible. This will likely include setting established times for access to ensure that construction and repairs can be expedited.
“Over the last several weeks, our maintenance crews, contractors and the National Guard have been working extremely hard to reopening highways and reconnect communities,” said Johnny Olson, Infrastructure Recovery Force Incident Commander. “We are excited that we can now provide timelines for many of the highways, but it is important for motorists and the communities to remember these are tentative dates and factors such as weather and construction challenges can shift the opening dates.”
To view an updated list of highway closures related to the flood or for a list of frequently asked questions, visit http://www.coloradodot.info/travel/floodinfoupdates. Highway updates are also available at cotrip.org or by calling the CDOT Flood Information line at 720-263-1589 or 511 from anywhere in the state. Updates are also available via Twitter @coloradodot and be sure to “Like” our Facebook page at facebook.com/coloradodot.
Other updates related to flood recovery
- Jerre Stead, the state’s Chief Recovery Officer, spent his first three days in his new role with key teams from CDOT, the Colorado Office of Emergency Management and the Colorado National Guard that are on the ground making a difference for local communities. He has formed a team that is working on organizing and coordinating efforts across the state to ensure swift attention to top issues and needs.
- The official count day for 2013 Student October is Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013. Rules allow schools to request an alternative count date. The deadline for requesting alternative count dates was Sept. 16. However, given the extenuating circumstances surrounding the recent floods in Colorado, the Colorado Department of Education has extended the deadline to Sept. 30 for those districts impacted by the floods. School districts impacted by the floods may request an alternative count date between Aug. 15 and Oct. 10. For more information contact Janelle Asmus at Asmus_J@cde.state.co.us.
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved temporary rental assistance for at least two months. The rental vacancy rate in the Northern Front Range market was 3.5 percent or less before the flood. It is difficult now to find a vacant unit. The state is working with private landlords and property management firms to include all available rental units at www.ColoradoHousingSearch.com. This is a web-based system that is updated daily and lists vacant rental units statewide and in the impacted areas. Those disaster victims looking for short-term rentals should be prepared to look outside their immediate areas.
- The state’s housing disaster strategy will focus on finding the resources to meet the needs not covered by the federal disaster assistance programs. Fundraising efforts include both public and private resources. Earlier this week, the Colorado Congressional delegation sent a request to the HUD Secretary for a Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery grant. In the recent Sandy disaster these funds were used to help defray cost not covered by FEMA and flood insurance. These funds were used for residential and commercial property repairs, infrastructure reconstruction, and economic development incentives.
- The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) has prioritized work on a number of stream gages impacted by flooding. The agency expects to have preliminary public infrastructure assessment numbers on structures impacted and possible costs by Monday, Sept. 30. Earlier this week, CWCB approved $1.65 million in grants to the South Platte area for water infrastructure.
The latest information related to flood response and recovery can be found at www.coemergency.com.
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