Auugst 27, 2008
INDEPENDENCE PASS FOUNDATION RESUMES EROSION CONTROL,
SLOPE STABILIZATION WEST OF SUMMIT
PITKIN COUNTY – The Independence Pass Foundation resumes a project on Tuesday, September 2, to control erosion just west of the summit on SH 82. The work will continue through the end of September, weather permitting. The cost of this phase of the Independence Pass erosion control work is $175,000.
The projects are taking place between mile markers 60 and 61 and include work on the “Middle Cut Wall,” where the Foundation has already scaled loose rock (last season), and will continue work to stabilize tundra and build a retaining wall to control rockfall and erosion. Further west, the Foundation’s contractors will also complete final installation of a compost blanket below the highway. “The compost blanket is intended to improve growing conditions and to support the growth of native grasses and shrubs on the slopes below the road,” IPF Director Mark Fuller said. “The work at the Middle Cut retaining wall will include slope reconstruction to re-establish natural grades and prepare for final revegetation in 2009. The final wall section will be completed in 2010. These projects constitute a continuation of the Foundation’s Top Cut Project, aimed at halting erosion and promoting revegetation of the damaged area.”
The Foundation’s contractors include ELC Inc. of Denver and Aspen Earthmoving. The work on the Pass requires equipment and materials to be stored in one of the lanes on this narrow stretch. For this reason, motorists will encounter single-lane, alternating traffic between MM 60 and 62 for the duration of the project, 24/7. The Colorado Department of Transportation will be providing traffic control, and the work zone will be controlled by automated traffic lights during non-work hours. Delays should not be longer than 15 minutes and motorists are urged to be patient and maintain a safe following distance while traveling through the area.
For more information contact Mark Fuller, Independence Pass Foundation, at 970 963-4959. Those with questions or seeking contact information may log on to www.independencepass.org.
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