Extended closure possible for Harvey Gap Road

PRESS RELEASE
August 22, 2016

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – A road north of Silt that leads to Harvey Gap State Park will remain closed for public safety, while officials determine what caused the subgrade to collapse before it was closed Sunday evening. The Harvey Gap Road (County Road 237) has been closed off to traffic between Odin Drive and the swimming beach, after the substructure sluiced away due to yet unknown circumstances, leaving the surface integrity compromised. Travelers cannot access Harvey Gap directly from Silt at this time.

The Garfield County Road and Bridge Department is investigating the cause of the damage, and has placed additional barricades to deter drivers from trying to pass over the roadway, putting themselves in harm’s way.

“We realize the use of alternate routes causes a serious inconvenience to travelers and potential fishing in Harvey Gap,” said Road and Bridge Director, Deb Fiscus. “But the road is now a serious safety concern, and we need to warn people of the risk by barricading this road. No travel will be allowed here until we can implement repairs that will provide a safe route into the area from Silt.”

The county is working with the Silt Water Conservancy District to assess what potential factors may have led to the collapse. Identification of the cause is needed before a plan for reconstruction of the roadway is possible.

Travelers should use an alternative route along Grass Valley Road (County Road 226) west from New Castle or east from Rifle to reach Harvey Gap, which remains open to the public. It is unknown how long Harvey Gap Road will be closed.