South-Central Colorado - The truck ramp located east of the Monarch Pass summit is now operational after the completion of a three month repair project
The runaway truck ramp is now operational.“This mountain corridor is heavily used by freight drivers so it was high on our priority to repair the runaway truck ramp and also keep the traveling public safe during the construction period.”
Julie Constan, Region 5 Transportation Director said, “CDOT worked closely with Colorado State Patrol to inform commercial drivers of the closure and monitor traffic speeds throughout the work zone.”After sinkholes were located on the runaway truck ramp in June of 2022, plans to replace the existing metal culvert with a reinforced concrete pipe and headwall went underway. In addition to the ramp infrastructure improvements, guardrails and overhead signage have been upgraded.
The permanent repairs and upgrades will improve highway safety for all motorists and prolong the life of the truck ramp structure.Due to Colorado’s mountainous terrain, commercial truckers can easily overheat their brakes causing failure. Drivers are encouraged to utilize low gears and descend mountain passes at slow speeds to avoid brake failure.
Runaway truck ramps are located along highway corridors with steep grades so that truckers can exit the highway and avoid collisions if brake failure occurs. A runaway truck ramp is located on either side of Monarch Pass, MP 194 (westbound) and MP 204 (eastbound). Drivers should never hesitate to utilize runaway truck ramps if they lose control of their vehicle
.Project Information
For additional information about this project:
Call the project information line at 970-385-1423
Email the project team at: dot_r5_customerservice@state.co.us
Visit the project webpage at: codot.gov/projects/us50-monarch-emergency-truck-ramp
Know Before You Go
Travelers are urged to “know before you go.”
Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road.
CDOT resources include:
Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
See scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone
The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.
Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.Watch for workers.
Drive with caution.Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you
.Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.Be patient!
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up