News Release

Phase 2 of Rim Rock Drive Repaving to Start March 12, 2018

Date: March 9, 2018
Contact: Arlene Jackson, 970-858-3617 x363
Contact: Dan Hallett, 970-858-3617 X346

Fruita, CO – Beginning March 12, road work will start on Rim Rock Drive near the east entrance of Colorado National Monument. From March 12 to 14, the construction company will close one lane and use pilot vehicles to escort cars through the construction zone. Motorists should expect delays of 15-30 minutes. Due to the expected rough and potentially loose surfaces the National Park Service is asking bicyclists and motorcyclists to avoid this stretch of Rim Rock Drive during this time.

The second phase of this multi-phased project involves repairing and resurfacing the east hill of Rim Rock Drive, from the Grand Junction entrance and through the intersection with DS Road and then following DS Road to the monument boundary. Crews will be milling and pulverizing the current road surfaces, preparing the surfaces for paving and then laying new asphalt and concrete.

Superintendent Ken Mabery stated, “The goal of everyone associated with this project is to accomplish the needed work in a safe and efficient manner for the long term access needs of community members and visitors.”

Starting on March 15, the east hill of Rim Rock Drive will be temporarily closed from the Devils Kitchen trailhead and picnic area to Cold Shivers Point overlook for about one month. During this time traffic into the monument and those traveling to or through Glade Park will need to use the Little Park Road detour. Devils Kitchen trailhead and picnic area may be closed for a day or two as paving is completed immediately adjacent to them. DS road will be open to one way traffic with a pilot vehicle escorting motorists through the construction zones.

Visitors traveling from the Fruita entrance will be able to access the visitor center and go as far as the Cold Shivers Point overlook, approximately 15 miles beyond the visitor center. They will be able to exit the monument using DS Road.

 

Spring hours are now in effect at Colorado National Monument. The visitor center is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. For additional information please visit www.nps.gov/colm or call 970-858-3617, ext. 360.

-www.nps.gov-

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