Repairs Begin On Colorado Highway Next To Memorial Rock

CORTEZ, Colo. (AP) - Road repairs have begun on southwestern Colorado road pummeled by two large boulders during a rock slide last month. The Journal reports that construction on state Highway 145 near Dolores began midweek last week and is expected to wrap up by mid-July.

(credit: CDOT)

Two house-size boulders slid down the slope above the highway on May 24 at the start of Memorial Day weekend. One landed on the road. The other went across it, leaving behind a deep trench, and ended up just off the highway.

(credit: CBS)

The smaller boulder was blasted and removed. The larger boulder, now known as Memorial Rock, will remain where it is and the road will simply remain right next to it.

(credit: City of Ouray)

The repair work will cost about $1.3 million. Traffic will alternate using the single open lane of the highway until the work is finished.