Crews Work To Open Independence Pass By Memorial Day Weekend
LEADVILLE, Colo. (CBS4)- Colorado Department of Transportation crews are working to try to open Independence Pass by Memorial Day weekend.
This week, CDOT crews completed a successful avalanche control mission on the east side of the pass. Workers from both sides are clearing snow in hopes of getting the roadway ready for the annual opening goal of 2 p.m. on the Thursday before Memorial Day.
"It's really just too soon to tell, but we're moving in the right direction," said CDOT Maintenance Patrol Supervisor Marc Quintana.
Crews continue to move snow from snow drifts and avalanche debris as high as 25 feet in some areas. They have progressed to about one mile from the summit on the west side and three miles from it on the east side.
Crews are using two bulldozers, five loaders with blowers, four loaders with plows, two motor graders and a Snow Cat.
The 12,095-foot pass is closed each winter due to harsh winter weather conditions, for safety.
