Contact: Ashley Mohr – 303-757-9437

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

FLOOD-IMPACTED HIGHWAYS REOPENED TO CYCLISTS

Cyclists and motorists reminded temporary highways are narrow, shoulders minimal in some areas

BOULDER, JEFFERSON, LARIMER, AND WELD COUNTIES — As of today, Monday, December 9, 2013, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has reopened all flood-repaired highways to cyclists, including US 34, US 36, State Highway (SH) 7, SH 72, and SH 119. The highways have been closed to cyclists for safety reasons following flood repairs as CDOT assessed the safety of the temporary roadways.

“After carefully observing how the roadways held up after this first major winter storm, we have decided to reopen the flooded highways to cyclists,” said CDOT Director of Communications Amy Ford. “However, we want to remind cyclists and motorists alike that the highways that connect the Front Range with the mountains are in temporary condition. This means that all highway users should be cautious of narrow and soft shoulders, sections of highway without guardrail, heavy equipment maneuvering in narrow areas, and areas that are prone to rockfall as the ground continues to settle. All cyclists who ride do so at their own risk.”

The following highway segments have reopened to cyclists:

• US 34 between the Dam Store (west of Loveland) and Estes Park
• US 36 between Lyons and Estes Park
• SH 7 between Lyons and Raymond
• SH 72 in Coal Creek Canyon
• SH 119 between Boulder and Nederland

CDOT will continue to update the bicycling community on the status of the highways if any changes occur that will require the re-closure of the highways due to safety reasons, permanent repairs, changing traffic patterns, and unforeseen weather events. With long-term road repairs beginning in the coming months, changes could occur to the roadways that will impact both cyclists and motorists.

To receive real-time updates about road conditions in your area, visit www.coloradodot.info and click on the green cell phone icon in the upper right hand corner of the page. Information about weekly lane closures will be available at www.coloradodot.info/travel/scheduled-lane-closures.html. Live road conditions are available at www.cotrip.org or by calling 511 from anywhere in the state. Updates are also available via Twitter @coloradodot and be sure to “Like” our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/coloradodot.