The Colorado Department of Transportation is expecting a multi-day highway closure after a rock slide occurred at the intersection of Highway 96 and Highway 165 in Custer County.
According to the Custer County Sheriff’s Office, the road was initially closed when it was determined that there was a continued high risk of additional rock slides after the original slide took place around 3pm on Sunday, December 29.
The multi-day highway closure will stay in place to allow for a geologist to perform an area inspection. Crews will then enter the slide zone to begin cleanup, and specialized rockfall mitigation may be required.
Electronic sign message boards will be set up in Silver Cliff, Wetmore, and Rye. Alternative routes include Oak Creek Grade (CR 255) for Canon City to Westcliffe, Copper Gulch (CR 215) for Canon City to Westcliff, or Highway 69 for Texas Creek to Westcliffe. H165 from Rye through the rock slide area is closed.