by Jeanie Rossillon, Transportation & Engineering Division Assistant Director
comments open from May 13 until June 1

Jefferson County has identified two curves on Golden Gate Canyon Road for improvements this year. These improvements will increase the safety to those traveling that road and provide an easier way for Jefferson County to maintain the area.

The first curve when entering the canyon from State Highway 93 (curve one), has an existing large rock overhang that is in need of rock bolting and scaling. In addition, a safety buffer will be created by moving the road out to the east and placing Jersey barriers between the vehicles and the safety area. This safety area will be approximately twelve feet wide and will provide an area for rocks to fall. The county will then be able to remove this debris safely without closing the road.

The next curve to the west (curve two) is the next part of the project. At this location there is a pinch point with a rock outcrop right next to the shoulder where several large rocks have dislodged and can move or fall at any time. Currently, there is no shoulder, but this removal project will to provide a safe fall zone between the rock and vehicular traffic.

In addition to this rock removal, the areas around curve one and curve two will receive rock scaling to remove potentially loose rock from falling on the road or the traveling public. The county has hired a professional rock stabilization company who is highly experienced at knowing how and when a rock needs to be removed or supported by anchors.

Construction is expected to cost $250,000 and will be funded through traffic impact fees collected for Golden Gate Canyon Road.

Rock scaling operations on the cliff face sections began on April 26 and were completed on May 7. Rock removal from the interior face of curve two, intended to improve driver sight distances, began on May 11 with the first of three scheduled rock blasts. Overall the project is on schedule and all construction work should be completed by the June 1.

For more information on the Transportation & Engineering department or projects currently being worked on, please see the T&E website.