Community Ditch Trail Closure effective July 22, 2013

Beginning today, July 22, Community Ditch Trail will be closed at State Highway 93. The closure is likely to last for most of the next year in order to facilitate the installation of an underpass that will allow trail users to cross SH 93 without mixing with highway traffic. All trails in the area will remain open for use, but may offer only an out and back experience during the closure. There will be extensive construction activity in the area of the underpass and the department asks that all users respect the closure and avoid the construction zone for their and other’s safety. Traffic on SH 93 will also be affected. However, the highway will remain open during construction with various lane restrictions.

NEWS

ditch

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Media Contacts:

Jim Reeder, Open Space and Mountain Parks, 303-413-7640

Sarah Huntley, Media Relations, 303-441-3155

www.bouldercolorado.gov

Work to begin on underpass on Community Ditch Trail at State Highway 93

The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) department announced today that work will begin on the long-awaited underpass on Community Ditch Trail at State Highway 93 (Hwy. 93) on Monday, July 22. When completed, trail users will cross under Hwy. 93 rather than mixing with traffic on the highway.

The underpass is one part of a larger Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) project. Hwy. 93, from State Highway 170 to State Highway 128, will also be widened to create wider shoulders and be overlain with new asphalt. The work will be done by a CDOT contractor.

The underpass is expected to be in use by July of next year. Vehicular traffic will be affected by the construction work with some lane closures. However, the highway will remain open for the duration of the construction work.

“OSMP has wanted to create a safer crossing of 93 for many years. Safety for our trail users is a priority, and we are excited to learn that installation will begin next week,” said Jim Reeder, OSMP division manager. “We anticipate that more users will begin to explore and enjoy the Community Ditch Trail once this project is complete.”

While the underpass is being built, however, existing users should know that the existing crossing via Hwy. 93 will be closed. This means that several trails will temporarily become out-and-back trails, starting on July 22. Individuals can check the department’s website at www.osmp.org for information about which trails are affected.

For more information, call OSMP at 303-441-3440.¡¡ Additional information can also be found on www.osmp.org.

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