Heads up if you're traveling through Custer County this week: The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has announced rockfall mitigation work at McKenzie Junction that will temporarily disrupt travel on CO Highway 96 and CO 165. On Wednesday, May 28, and Thursday, May 29, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., both roadways at the junction will close intermittently as crews work to clear loose rock threatening the roadway. Motorists should expect delays and are advised to seek alternate routes according to CDOT.
During the closures, traffic will be stopped while workers scale the canyon walls to secure the area and reduce the risk of rockfalls, however, the roads will open periodically, allowing some traffic to pass, albeit this approach may not be the most time-efficient for drivers on a tight schedule. CDOT insists that safety is of paramount importance, and measures are being taken to protect both the workers on site and the traveling public. For updates on road conditions and travel information, CDOT recommends checking their website, COtrip.org, or downloading the COtrip Planner app.
It's crucial for travelers to "know before you go" which means staying informed about the latest weather forecasts and traffic updates before hitting the road. Additional resources from CDOT include signing up for project or travel alerts, checking the scheduled construction lane closures, and following @ColoradoDOT on various social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
