WOLF CREEK PASS — The Colorado Department of Transportation and contract partner Williams Construction will begin drainage improvements to the US Highway 160 Wolf Creek Pass tunnel starting Monday, Sept. 23. 

The tunnel, between South Fork and the pass summit (Mile Point 174), will be closed throughout the project. Motorists can anticipate minimal travel impacts as they will be guided by signage onto the nearby tunnel bypass lanes. Work is expected to be complete in November. 

The tunnel work zone is on the east side of Wolf Creek Pass, about 10 miles west of South Fork and seven miles east of the Wolf Creek ski area. This safety project improves drainage near the tunnel's east entrance, reducing the potential for icy and hazardous conditions during the winter season. 

“Over the past few winters, maintenance crews have noticed an increase in the amount of moisture on the road surface at this tunnel entrance. The new drainage system will divert water off of the travel lanes and reduce the frequency of icy or slick conditions,” said Julie Constan, Regional Transportation Director. 

The project will update the existing underdrain system that runs in the center of the eastbound travel lane with a larger, improved drainage system. Crews will install manholes at both ends of the tunnel to improve maintenance access. Additional work includes the replacement of several concrete panels and the installation of delineators near the drainage structures. 

Traffic Impacts  

• Beginning Sept. 23, work hours will range from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Traffic impacts will include:  

• Through November, signage will guide traffic onto the tunnel bypass lanes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Motorists can expect brief intermittent delays
• Speeds will be reduced to 25 mph through the work zone
• Traffic fines will be doubled in the work zone 
• Motorists should slow down as they approach the work zone, drive with caution, allow extra space between vehicles and give themselves extra travel time