The Road & Bridge Department is responsible for maintaining approximately 300 miles of roads in Chaffee County. There are 44 bridge structures of various types in Chaffee County. Roads in Chaffee County are maintained at various levels due to current and historic use.
The primary responsibility of the Road and Bridge Department is the routine maintenance of county roads which are on our maintenance program. This includes plowing snow, grading dirt roads, maintaining barrow ditches, cattleguards and drainage along our roads, weed and brush control, and patching asphalt. Roads are assigned maintenance priorities based on traffic volume, seasonal use, type of use and other criteria. Due to the predominately rural and mountainous nature of the County, some roads are maintained on a very limited basis, or in the summer only.
We also make necessary improvements and undertake special projects on an ”as needed” basis, based on priority and available time and equipment. The County operates gravel pits from which our gravel, road base and other materials are hauled as necessary.
Every summer, we apply dust control and/or chip seals to certain sections of roads which are determined to need those treatments.
Our Administration Office is open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (until November 3rd) and 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 pm. (until daylight savings time begins). Our mailing address is PO Box 699, Salida, CO 81201 or 10360 CR 120, Salida, CO 81201. The office is located at 10360 CR 120.
If you have problems, suggestions, or questions about maintenance, scheduled improvements, or just need information about a county road, please feel free to call the administration office at 719-539-4591.
Any of us on the crew or in the Administration Office will be happy to assist you in any way we can.
County Winter Maintenance & Snow Removal Overview
Driveway Snow Removal Tips
From November 1st until June 15th this road is not maintained beyond Denny Creek Trailhead. Motor vehicles (except snowmobiles, snowcats) are not permitted. Violators are warned that road conditions are not suitable for travel. The cost of rescue of persons or vehicles shall be borne by the violator.
In the fall gates are open so hunters can access the area. The road is plowed, if necessary, to the top of the pass prior to November 1st. If there is snowfall over the rest of the county as well, the main collectors and other county roads take precedence; therefore County Road 306 may be plowed on the 1st or 2nd day.
Three days after the close of hunting season, the gates are closed but not locked. The Road and Bridge Department will go to the top of the pass after that three days to check for vehicles and people. The gates will be locked after all is clear.
In the spring signs state that June 15th is the day the pass will open. However, the Road and Bridge Department will try and have Cottonwood Pass open before Memorial Day, depending on snowfall.
Gunnison County does not have snow removal on their side of the pass.