After Flood's Devastation, Key Larimer County Road Is Reopened
LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - More than a year after flood waters washed out an important road in Larimer County and forced drivers to make a long detour, it's finally reopened.
September 2013's flood destroyed much of County Road 27 -- also called Buckhorn Canyon Road -- from Stove Prairie to Masonville, west of Fort Collins.
With the road's reconstruction, Larimer County leaders wanted a stronger bridge and to get the project done in time for the holidays.
"It's like a kid on Christmas morning, waiting for the presents to be opened," said Betty Wright, who lives in Buckhorn Canyon.
She lives along the narrows of the canyon, where flood water wiped out bridges and scoured County Road 27 down to bedrock.
On Wednesday she celebrated the road's reopening, and the end of long detours.
"Just to get mail, it took an hour and 45 minutes," Wright said.
FEMA footed most of the project's $16 million bill. The rest is split between the state and county.
"For a lot of people who had to do this, it's been twice the time it's taken. This is a blessing here to be able to get through now," resident John Foster said.
It took crews months to replace three major bridges, four culverts and more than a mile and half of winding roadway in one of the county's most scenic areas.
"Not just for the folks who live here and the traveling public, but also economically, this is a big boost for us," Tom Donnelly, the chairman of the county's board of commissioners, said.
Resident Lew Gaiter said it's not just a gift for residents.
"It's a gift to our children and our grandchildren," he said. "This road should be here for a while."
