It's been nice this summer to be able to get to Estes Park driving up US 34, but you'll only be able to enjoy it for a short time as CDOT has announced the next closure.

According to a press release sent out by the Colorado Department of Transportation, construction will continue and will include a full closure of US 34 through Big Thompson Canyon starting October 2nd.

The route will close just east of Mall Road all the way to the Dam Store (located right outside the canyon) until Memorial Day weekend. The expected opening date is all weather dependent. Officials will be opening sections of the road at a time to make it more accessible to residents of the canyon.

There will be a closure of several months from mile points 72 to 74, and there will be no access to this area even to canyon residents. County road 43 will have to be used by residents to go to Estes Park during this time, and all other vehicles will need to utilize the detour through Lyons at US 36.

Residents and property owners in the canyon will be able to access construction areas from 6 a.m to 8:30 a.m. each day. Afternoon hours will be 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday - Thursday, and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Just like in 2016, officials plan on opening access through the canyon for major holidays the rest of the year. Those dates are:

  • Thursday, November 23rd
  • Saturday, December 23rd - Tuesday, January 2nd

Travel during these holiday periods will be directed with the use of pilot cars and permits will not be necessary.

 

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