Rockfall mitigation project on CO 82 Red Hill begins winter shutdown

Project Update

Nov. 7, 2025 - Northwestern Colorado - Project to resume in spring of 2026

Garfield County — The Colorado Department of Transportation, in partnership with Rock Supremacy, will begin a winter shutdown for the rockfall mitigation along CO Highway 82 at Red Hill on Nov. 7. A winter shutdown will be necessary to allow for safety conditions for workers and the traveling public due to adverse winter conditions. Crews will resume work spring of 2026.

The project started mid-May and took place on CO 82 Red Hill from Mile Point 11.7 to MP 12.2, east of the CO 82/CO 133 intersection. Work included culvert cleaning, rock scaling operations, installation of 100 anchors, 21 posts and 90,000 square feet of mesh netting.

“Any loose surface material on a cliff or slope could present a rockfall hazard for motorists on the highway,” said Jason Smith, CDOT Regional Transportation Director. “The elimination of loose material decreases this potential hazard. The new post-mounted mesh system will help capture potential falling rocks and debris and deposit them into the catchment ditch safely off of the road surface.”

Travel Impacts

When work resumes, motorists should plan for daytime work Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Traffic impacts will include:

  • Single-lane closures
  • A speed reduction to 45 MPH
  • 14 feet width restriction
  • Occasional 20-minute traffic holds

The project has an anticipated completion date at the end of May 2026.

The rockfall mitigation project on CO 82 Red Hill near Carbondale
The rockfall mitigation project on CO 82 Red Hill near Carbondale begins winter shutdown with mitigation efforts set to begin in spring of 2026.

Project Information

For additional information about this project, contact the project team.

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:

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!

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