Independence Pass to reopen Thursday

Washed-out pavement forces closure

Click to Enlarge Browse Aspen Times Photos High runoff has washed out a section of Highway 82 on the east side of Independence Pass, forcing its closure. It is expected to reopen Thursday afternoon. Colorado Department of Transportation photo. Get News Feeds

Janet Urquhart
May 25, 2005

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Independence Pass will open sometime Thursday afternoon, according to state highway officials. They were forced to close it last night at about midnight after high runoff washed out a section of pavement on the Twin Lakes side.

After inspecting the site today, a Colorado Department of Transportation maintenance crew determined the remaining pavement is sound and can accommodate two-way traffic, according to spokeswoman Nancy Shanks. A portable barrier will be placed around the damaged area.

Initially, CDOT anticipated reopening just one lane by Friday, allowing for alternating traffic for the holiday weekend.

Highway 82 over the pass wasn’t originally scheduled to open until Friday anyway, but CDOT wrapped up pavement repairs and painting stripes on the roadway early, thanks to a balmy stretch of weather.

The pass is located east of Aspen.