CDOT Requests $65 million in Federal Emergency Relief for Southwest Colorado Flood Damage

Southwest Colorado ~ The Colorado Department of Transportation is seeking $6.5 million in federal emergency relief funds to begin repairing flood-damaged highways in Southwest Colorado. The request is based on a preliminary estimate of $65 million in damage to federal-aid roads.

The Federal Highway Administration's Emergency Relief program allows for a quick release of funds, and CDOT is requesting 10% of the estimated damage total through that process. The Colorado Transportation Commission has separately approved $5 million in state emergency funds for immediate work.

Severe storms from Oct. 22 through Oct. 25 brought as much as seven inches of rain to areas including Pagosa Springs. Floodwaters reached more than four feet on some federal-aid roads and forced closures across the region. Gov. Jared Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency on Oct. 22 for 11 counties.

"Colorado is taking swift action to help Southwest Colorado communities respond to and recover from this dangerous flooding," Polis said, citing state emergency funding and the deployment of nearly 100 National Guard members for evacuations and search-and-rescue operations. He said federal support would help the state make repairs before winter.

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Three highways sustained significant structural damage, according to CDOT. US 160 suffered a failed culvert, a damaged retaining wall and roadway undercut by the Rio Grande. Wolf Creek Pass reopened Oct. 27, and the Four Corners Bridge also reopened that day after inspections. West of Pagosa Springs, one-way alternating traffic is in place.

On US 550 between Ironton and Silverton, crews are stabilizing a washed-out embankment and shoulder; the highway is open to one-way alternating traffic. CO 151 was washed out in two locations near mile points 27 and 30. CDOT is planning a temporary access road for residents and emergency responders before permanent reconstruction.

Five other state highways closed during the storms—US 285, CO 112, CO 17, CO 145 and US 550 at Bondad Bridge—have since reopened.

CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew said crews were working to reopen critical routes when safe. Transportation Commissioner Barbara H. McLachlan said the department was prioritizing public safety, limiting damage and preparing for permanent repairs.

The $65 million estimate remains preliminary because high water has prevented full inspections of bridges and other structures. CDOT expects to provide a more accurate estimate in eight to 10 weeks and said additional funding requests may follow.

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