In Brief: State gets busy with potholes; ‘Peak Performance’ series on tap; Wingo Bridge work
Pothole repairs will have lane closures on state highways
The Colorado Department of Transportation is advising drivers to be prepared for temporary lane closures on the state highway system as maintenance crews repair potholes that develop due to the springtime freeze-thaw cycle.
Above-normal amounts of snow and below-average winter temperatures created additional potholes in many areas of the state, including on the Western Slope and southwestern Colorado. Although crews were able to make temporary repairs during the cold weather months, materials for permanent repairs require consistently warm temperatures.
For the next several weeks, drivers should be prepared for moving, single-lane closures, along with possible delays, while potholes are being repaired, officials said. CDOT is urging motorists to slow down when approaching these work zones for the safety of everyone involved, especially crew members working to repair the pavement. While lane closures are generally limited to night-time hours in some areas of the state, pothole repairs may occur during the day to prevent further deterioration and damage to the roadway.
“In addition to the cold temperatures, Colorado had abnormally high amounts of snow and ice this past winter season,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “Now with the warmer temperatures, we’re out in full force to make the repairs necessitated by this winter’s conditions in order to keep our highways safe and reliable for the traveling public. Our maintenance team plays a key role in making critical repairs like fixing potholes, so please respect work zones and help keep them safe on the job.”
‘Science of Peak Performance’ series kicks off May 25
The first event of a new series, “Science of Peak Performance,” is scheduled for 6:30-8 p.m. on May 25 at Aspen Community Church featuring a panel of experts including orthopedic surgeon Dr. Joseph Ruzbarsky and World Cup skier Wiley Maple.
The series will explore the intersection of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and
optimal performance. Experts will discuss cutting-edge research and best practices, giving attendees a deeper understanding of how to achieve, maintain, and regain peak performance, organizers said.
The Aspen Science Center and Aspen Valley Hospital are partnering with the series, which was inspired by the “Science of Music” series developed by the Aspen Music Festival and School, organizers said.
“Functioning at a peak level of performance is a deeply-rooted value in Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley,” Aspen Science Center President David Heil. “The ASC has long wanted to provide local residents and visitors to the area with a way to apply cutting-edge science, technology, and engineering research and best practices to their own pursuits of peak performance.”
The series is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased online. For more information, visit
aspensciencecenter.org/science-education-programs/scienceofpeakperformance.
Wingo Bridge work to start up again
Work on the Wingo Bridge will resume May 1 and continue to June 1, Pitkin County officials said.
Repairs to bridge piers will occur on the west side of the span, which carries the Rio Grande Trail over the Roaring Fork River at Wingo. The Rio, between Basalt High School and the bridge, will be used to move equipment. No closure of the bridge is anticipated.
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers seeks help with trails
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers seeks volunteers for evening trail maintenance on the Mushroom Rock Trail in Carbondale on Tuesdays May 2, 9, and 16. Time is 4-8 p.m. each day, followed by dinner and drinks.
Red Hill offers 12 trails for mountain biking and hiking where annual use is more than 40,000 people.
Volunteers are also sought for the Storm King Mountain Trail on Sunday, May 7, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., followed by food and drinks.
When the winds shifted on Storm King Mountain outside Glenwood Springs on July 6, 1994, a wildfire caused by a lightning strike trapped and killed 14 young wildland firefighters. This 3.6 mile loop is a memorial to those men and women.
To register, visit rfov.org/calendar.
