Independence Pass to open one day earlier than expected
Westley Crouch/The Aspen Times
Independence Pass will open one day earlier than expected, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).
CDOT reported earlier last week that the pass, which typically opens the Thursday prior to Memorial Day Week, would be closed until June 1 due to inclement weather and snowfall. Now, the gates open on Friday, May 31.
Mike Bosshardt with CDOT said recent snowstorms had deposited over two feet of snow, causing possible road damage and requiring CDOT to plow through challenging conditions to reopen Independence Pass for the season.
“These two storms have really wreaked havoc on our work,” he said.
Concerns for opening the pass as scheduled also have been alleviated after CDOT assessed two sinkholes recently discovered near milepost 50, near Lincoln Creek.
After the storms, crews spotted these two potential sinkholes. CDOT spokesperson Elise Thatcher said crews excavated the two locations on Wednesday. The sinkholes have since been repaired, and weather conditions have cooperated enough to open the pass a day early, according to CDOT.
“Crews have brought in additional help from nearby CDOT teams to ensure we have enough manpower to complete the work as quickly and safely as possible,” she said.
Aspen voters urged to support Referendum 2
Referendum 2 seeks to amend Aspen’s Home Rule Charter, allowing the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to use specific portions of the Marolt and Thomas properties for realigning Colorado Highway 82.
