Page 9 - Nov Proof

Winter is coming for Colorado drivers
Information provided by Colorado Department of Transportation
The first snow dusting of snow has already happened in the Castle Pines community. As residents travel throughout the state and along the I-25 South Gap construction zone between Castle Rock and Monument, here are some helpful reminders to keep in mind for the winter driving season ahead:
• Ensure vehicles are winter-ready with adequate tires for conditions. Plan to have an emergency kit with supplies on hand, including a blanket, warm clothing, water and food.
• Leave plenty of space between vehicles when traveling in snowy and icy conditions.
• Go slow; do not exceed the speed limit. The speed limit will be reduced during winter storms, so pay attention to the variable speed limit signs throughout the South Gap construction zone.
• Expect Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) crews to pretreat roadways prior to a storm and plows to be out in full force when a storm begins. Never pass the plows.
• Stay off I-25 between Monument and Castle Rock during inclement weather. There aren’t services like hotels and restaurants in this rural stretch, and gas stations are extremely limited.
In addition, evacuation centers will not operate at full capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions.
• Depending on the severity of the weather, CDOT may have to proactively close I-25 for the safety of motorists. If I-25 closes, drivers can expect Colorado Highways 83 and 105 to close as well. Closing I-25 in the construction zone area prevents motorists from being stuck in treacherous weather conditions with no nearby services.
Remember – high speeds and following too closely are the leading causes of crashes
in the I-25 South Gap corridor. Crews
and first responders depend on motorists
to follow posted speeds and leave plenty
of space between vehicles, especially in severe weather conditions. Throughout the duration of a storm, use CDOT’s Facebook page, Twitter account, cotrip.org and 511 for information on roadway conditions.
CastlePinesConnection.com 9 Storms drainage areas ready for
winter and years to come
Article and photo by Patte Smith
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) contracted with a storm drainage company to clean-up and reconstruct two drainage areas adjacent to a stretch of I-25 near Castle Pines near the Surrey Ridge community.
The CDOT approved plan had been delayed for the last year and a half. The drainage pond on Clydesdale Road is a habitat for red-winged blackbirds.
The foreman on the job stated, “When we first were getting started with the reclamation, nests with red-winged blackbird eggs were found so the work was postponed for quite a while. We have now cleared out dead trees, cut down the reeds that will grow back for the bird’s habitat, and replaced the old drainage pipe. The area is now more sanitary, and the ground that had been saturated over time with oil and gas residue is improved with new soil.”
The team will continue the work on the other drainage area gulley located on the east side of I-25 on South Havana Street – just to the north of the Glendale Open Space.
The storm drainage reclamation crew discusses the last few items that need to be addressed before the job is complete.
November 2021