The good news is that the next three-mile segment of the Peaks to Plains Trail will be constructed over the period from August 6, 2023 through 2025. The bad news is that the construction will entail overnight closures of US 6 in Clear Creek Canyon from CO 119 to CO 93. Closures will take place Sundays through Thursdays from 9 p.m. (in summer; 8 p.m. the rest of the year) when traffic volumes are lowest. There will be no closures on weekends or holidays.

Traffic will be detoured to I-70 during closures. During this period, Peaks to Plains “is also committed to communicating traffic impacts well in advance of the work occurring with at least two weeks’ notice of closures,” says Peaks to Plains spokesperson Joy Wasendorf. She continues: “There will be approximately 60 overnight closures this year continuing through mid-November depending on weather. Approximately 20 overnight closures will take place in 2024 starting in the spring and another 20 closures in 2025.”

It’s important to note that “During nighttime closures, crews will be able to reopen US 6 for emergencies, if needed. In addition to the two-week notification of closure schedules, project information will be posted on www.jeffco.us/P2P and lane closures will be updated on www.cotrip.org.”

The reason for the closures is, essentially, that this segment of the Trail requires what Wasendorf calls “complicated construction.” She explains that “the three-mile long Huntsman Segment of the P2P Trail includes viaducts and bridges over Clear Creek, two new trailheads, and multiple creek access points. This construction requires the use of cranes, excavators, concrete pump trucks, and drill rigs. The narrow space between US 6 and Clear Creek requires staging equipment on the highway, which is not wide enough to safely accommodate a one-lane closure.”

She continues: “It is important to note that all dates and times are weather dependent. Also, there will be no simultaneous closures with surrounding CDOT projects. And, if needed, all full closures will be made passable for first responders.”

The August closures are now planned for the periods August 6-August 10; August 13-August 17; August 20-August 24; and August 27-August 31. There will be no overnight closures during the Labor Day holiday weekend.

For detailed information, sign up for Jefferson County “Notify Me” alerts at www.jeffco.us/list.aspx.