Final Fourmile Canyon Flood Recovery Project Underway

BOULDER, CO -- After more than five years of work, Boulder County has begun the final flood recovery project in Fourmile Canyon. This phase of work will involve reconstructing the roadway and drainage systems in two sections of the lower portion of the canyon between CO Hwy 119/Boulder Canyon and Salina Junction, according to a press release from Boulder County Transportation. It will support recently completed watershed restoration projects executed by the Boulder County Transportation and the Fourmile Creek Watershed Coalition.

“Based on public input, we have made every effort to minimize impacts to the canyon’s rock walls and to the trees and vegetation along the creek," said Boulder County transportation department director George Gerstle. "There will be some trees that must be removed in order to build structures on certain limited sections, but we have worked with adjacent property owners to minimize impacts and preserve those trees that are special to residents, and provide replacement trees where we cannot avoid removing them."

Project design in Fourmile was a contentious process as the County sought to balance improvements that could safely accommodate future flooding, while also retaining the special character of the canyon and respecting the wishes of residents and landowners. Animosity between frequent drivers and recreational cyclists in the canyon boiled over in discussions of whether to widen the road to accommodate a bike lane in certain sections.

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Tension among some in the cycling community continued as construction projects this fall heralded daytime, weekday road closures for cyclists who were not commuting residents. County representatives cited the high volume of construction traffic and a desire for safety as reasons behind the ban, and elaborated in the most recent announcement, explaining that the closures will continue, because "Due to the narrow, curvy nature of the canyon’s roads, it has become increasingly difficult to safely share the road between cars, trucks, and cyclists. Trucks hauling materials take up nearly the entire lane, which leaves little room for cars, let along cars and cyclists."

Crews began work already in the south section, which starts approximately one-mile north of CO Hwy 119 and extends to Poorman Road. Early next year, crews will start working on the north sections of Fourmile Canyon Drive, located between Logan Mill Road and Salina Junction. After retaining walls and culverts are complete, the two sections of roadway will be repaved to include an uphill shoulder to improve safety and reduce conflicts between bicyclists and vehicles.

Working hours will be from from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Travelers can expect single-lane closures that will be controlled by either traffic signals or flagging personnel. Wait times will vary, but they are not to exceed a total of 15-minutes for a traveler moving through the entire work zone. Canyon residents who rely on cycling for commuting and errands are exempted from the restrictions. Residents will need to carry photo identification that proves they live in the canyon and obtain a cycling pass by contacting Andrew Barth at abarth@bouldercounty.org or by calling 303-441-1032.

Up-to-date travel information will be posted to the project website – www.4MileCanyon.com. Those interested and impacted can also register their emails with the project information group for further updates.

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Photo courtesy Boulder County Transportation