Colorado Highway 71 is closed between Rocky Ford and Ordway as of Apr. 1 following a culvert failure at Mile Point 17.3 near Impassable Ditch Road, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. The closure affects both northbound and southbound traffic, with local property owners able to access their land from either side using a designated detour route.
The closure was put in place for safety reasons while engineers assess the extent of damage to the highway and determine necessary repairs. It is currently unknown when the highway will reopen.
A detour has been established, directing traffic via US Highway 50, Colorado Highway 207, and Colorado Highway 96 around the affected area. Through traffic on CO 71 is not permitted until further notice.
According to the official website, the Colorado Department of Transportation works to improve quality of life for residents through integrated transportation solutions and aims to deliver an effective multi-modal system that safely transports people, goods, and information while enhancing environmental standards in Colorado. The official website also indicates that Shoshana Lew serves as executive director for CDOT.
As outlined on its official website, CDOT oversees transportation infrastructure across Colorado, building and maintaining interstates, U.S. highways, state highways, and administering grants for aviation and transit projects. The agency operates within the transportation sector with a focus on highway maintenance as well as support for aviation and transit needs across the state.
