The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced that a Monarch Pass runaway truck ramp is again operational after it was closed for months for repairs.
CDOT says that the US Highway 50 emergency truck ramp located at mile marker 204, approximately four miles east of Monarch Pass summit, is repaired and usable following a three month repair project.
Repairs were needed after sinkholes were discovered on the runaway ramp in June of 2022. CDOT replaced the existing metal culvert with a reinforced concrete pipe and headwall and upgraded guardrails and overhead signage.
“This mountain corridor is heavily used by freight drivers so it was high on our priority to repair the runaway truck ramp and also keep the traveling public safe during the construction period.” Julie Constan, Region 5 Transportation Director said, “CDOT worked closely with Colorado State Patrol to inform commercial drivers of the closure and monitor traffic speeds throughout the work zone.”
During the runaway ramp closure, the Colorado State Patrol increased patrols on Monarch Pass, conducting intermittent brake inspections and safety checks as well as educating drivers about the importance of downshifting and maintaining a low speed on the Pass.
“Due to Colorado’s mountainous terrain, commercial truckers can easily overheat their brakes causing failure. Drivers are encouraged to utilize low gears and descend mountain passes at slow speeds to avoid brake failure. Runaway truck ramps are located along highway corridors with steep grades so that truckers can exit the highway and avoid collisions if brake failure occurs. A runaway truck ramp is located on either side of Monarch Pass, MP 194 (westbound) and MP 204 (eastbound). Drivers should never hesitate to utilize runaway truck ramps if they lose control of their vehicle,” CDOT said in a news release.