CO Highway 71 is closed between Rocky Ford and Ordway

Travel Advisory

April 1, 2026 - Southeastern Colorado - A culvert near Impassable Ditch Road failed and a detour is in place

Otero County — Colorado Highway 71 is closed between Rocky Ford and Ordway due to a culvert failure at Mile Point 17.3 near Impassable Ditch Road. The safety closure is in place for both north- and southbound traffic. Local traffic can access property from either side of the culvert using the designated detour route.

For safety, CDOT has determined that the highway will remain closed until engineers can determine the extent of the highway damage and make necessary repairs. It is not known when the highway will reopen.

Traffic Impacts

CO 71 is closed to through traffic. Traffic impacts will include:

CO 71 is closed between Rocky Ford and Ordway.
Local property owners can access from either side of the closure point.
A detour is in place:
- From Rocky Ford: Motorists should travel west on US Highway 50 from Rocky Ford, turning north on CO 207 in Manzanola, travel north to CO 96 and travel east to Ordway.
- From Ordway: Motorists should travel west on CO 96 from Ordway, turning south on CO 207 and travel toward Manzanola/US 50 and travel east on US 50 to Rocky Ford.

CO 71 Rocky Ford to Ordway Road Closure 04012026 — Map of Colorado Highway 71 closure between Rocky Ford and Ordway with detour route specified via US 50, CO 207 and CO 96.

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:

Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
Check scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

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!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!