**Kinikin Road Closure Due to Slope Instability **
Kinikin Road will be closed to traffic between Q72 Road and R71 Road beginning Monday morning, Nov. 20, due to concerns about the stability of the slope along the west side of Dry Cedar Creek, north of R71 Rd.
The decision to close the road was made following a geotechnical engineering analysis that concluded that the slope is not stable and a catastrophic failure could occur. The analysis also found that there is no quick easy fix to stabilize the slope due to the steepness of the road, the steepness of slope, the numerous slope failures and shifting of soils near the toe of the slope, and the underlying soils of clays and weathered adobe shales.
“Public safety is our top priority,” said Keith Laube, Montrose County Public Works Director. “The geotechnical report clearly indicates that the Kinikin Road slope is not stable and closing the road is the only way to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians.”
The county is currently exploring options for relocating the road around the slide area. A possible 1,800-foot-long road relocation route east of the existing road following the flatter ground along Dry Cedar Creek and on a bench east of the creek has been identified. At this time, the county is working to determine the best and safest solution.
“We are committed to finding a long-term solution to this problem,” said Laube. “We are working as quickly as possible to finalize plans for the new road alignment and begin construction.”
In the meantime, motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes. Electronic message boards will be posted to provide motorists with advanced notice of the road closure and detour information.
For more information, please contact Montrose County Road and Bridge Department at 970-249-5424 or visit montrosecounty.net.