The improvements on Pikes Peak Highway are much more than just paving. However, the issue seems to be simplified by the press as one of paving. And, the easiest way to track the progress is to watch the increase in amount of pavement on the highway.
As informed citizens we should not neglect the other important aspects of this improvement project. “The Problem” with the Pikes Peak Highway has mostly to do with the water that is collected by it, and how that water is drained away. The current situation causes too much water to collect, and then allows that water to exit the highway in too concentrated an area, causing sedimentation flow. The fix, is to re-engineer the drainages, and then stabilize the area with hardened surface, (i.e. paving). There have been delays in the fix, while the parties involved worked out technical differences. They seem now to be in agreement, and work will proceed.
The US Forest Service and the Pikes Peak Highway Managers have come to an agreement on the work to be done, and the order in which it will be done. No work could be done until the USFS agreed to the plan. With that agreement in hand, the Highway will begin work on the next two mile stretch, starting where the current pavement ends at mile marker 8, and ending at mile 10 just beyond the halfway picnic area.
The work is scheduled from May through October. This spring, they will begin working on the drainages, and in mid summer we can expect driving delays as they stabilize the edges. In August, if everything goes well, and the weather allows, they will pave this section. If weather allows, they will then restore the vegetation on either side of the road with native seed planting. Once this next two miles is finished, they will begin next year, at Glen Cove and work their way up to the Ws.
If you are a regular user of the Highway, please be patient with the road workers, as the road will be down to one lane at various times throughout the summer, and for several years to come. It will be worth it to have a road that is a pleasure to drive, without negative impact on the environment.
