Southwest Colorado roads washed out
Emergency funds cover $11.5 million in repairs as floodwaters recede from the San Juan River basin.
By Mateo Thompson ·
Residents in Archuleta, La Plata, Rio Grande, and Conejos counties face blocked highways and destroyed bridges after a second round of storms hit on Sunday night. The San Juan River in Pagosa Springs reached 16.81 feet, staying below peak forecasts but causing widespread damage across multiple watersheds.
State officials reported that the Piedra River Bridge on US Highway 160 collapsed at mile marker 121. The structure is 18 miles west of Pagosa Springs and requires a full rebuild. Crews are working to install a temporary replacement to restore traffic flow.
Colorado Highway 151 is cut off near mile markers 27 and 30. Floodwaters washed out the pavement near Chimney Rock. A separate section of Colorado Highway 17 near Antonito is also impassable, severing the route to Chama, New Mexico.
Local infrastructure suffered further losses. County Road 202 lost a bridge, isolating eight parcels of land. Cellular service returned to Archuleta County after temporary outages disrupted emergency calls. Natural gas pipelines near the Piedra River sustained damage, prompting emergency repairs to maintain service.
The Colorado National Guard rescued more than 50 people, 20 dogs, and several cats. FEMA’s 17-member swift-water rescue team is operating in the San Luis Valley. Shelters and medical facilities are receiving support from state agencies and voluntary disaster organizations.
The Federal Highway Administration approved $6.5 million in emergency funds. The Colorado Transportation Commission added $5 million from its contingency fund. Shoshana Lew, executive director of CDOT, stated that crews aim to reopen roads before winter arrives. She noted that permanent repair plans will follow initial stabilization.
Governor Jared Polis requested a presidential major disaster declaration from President Donald Trump on Saturday. Officials estimate preliminary public infrastructure damage at nearly $27 million in Archuleta and Rio Grande counties. That figure excludes private property losses and impacts from the most recent rainfall.
CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew said the $11.5 million in combined funding is available immediately. She emphasized the need to keep Southwest Colorado moving while engineers inspect damaged bridges and stabilize washed-out embankments.
