In conjunction with advice from the Colorado state engineer, the Spring Creek Dam Restoration Project will be moved to spring 2019. The project was anticipated to start this fall; however, due to permit delays, historical elements and contractor availability, all parties agreed to postpone efforts until spring when the work could be completed without risk of interruption.
“With so many variables as well as several components still moving, we’d rather take a prudent approach and not get into a position where the project wasn’t 100% complete before the snow started to fly,” said Brad Setter. “This is a sensitive wetlands area and we’re willing to wait to ensure it’s done correctly and with the least amount of impact.”
With the revised scheduled, the Dam Restoration is anticipated to start in late June/early July 2019 depending upon conditions and the high water/spring run-off cycle.
Once work begins, the project is expected to take six to eight weeks to complete. W. W. Wheeler and Associates, Inc. has been contracted to design and perform construction services for the dam modifications and Anson Excavating will execute the work.
The Colorado Division of Water Resources Dam Safety Branch previously identified concerns with the Spring Creek Dam. The planned improvements look to rectify those safety issues and generally include: a new 30-foot wide dam spillway, installation of additional fill material on the dam slopes and an improved dam drainage system.
Once the project is completed, the modified dam will meet qualifications for a non-jurisdictional dam impounding a smaller sized pool than what currently exists. The spillway will be capable of routing a 100-year storm event. Due to the dam modifications, the existing bridge and trail across the spillway will be removed and will not be replaced. New interpretive signage, benches and a proposed looped trail system is planned at the upper pond following construction.
With fall conditions already in the air, the following outlines updates for related Parks & Recreation projects in Spring Creek and Core Trail areas. Please keep in mind, projects may shift due to weather, unforeseen issues, work flexibility and resource availability.
Spring Creek Soft-Surface Trail
The Parks & Recreation trail crew has been working on a six-foot wide, soft-surface trail from Amethyst Drive to the cabin. This portion of the trail will see work wrap up this week. Crews will return in the spring to extend the path where feasible up to the pond. The city is working in partnership with Routt County to move pedestrians off the County Road 34 (Spring Creek Road) and onto this trail for safety concerns as well as in an effort to reduce user conflicts.
Spring Creek - Ditch Trail
Announced earlier this summer, the Ditch Trail Project will move to next year. With a signed agreement still in the works and issues with availability from the contractor, the Ditch Hiking Trail will transition to 2019.
Spring Creek Alternative
Crews have been completed work to the end of bridge 6 and the trail will remain closed till next year so it can set up. Once additional work is complete to the county road next spring, the entire section will open during summer 2019.
Yampa River Core Trail
A section of the Yampa River Core Trail, directly across from the Mountain Fire Station, will see work start at the end of the month or in early October to replace a culvert running under the trail. The approximately 10’ x 10’ section has been closed and the current detour will remain in place and likely will expand during the project. Anson Excavating will take 10 days to two weeks to install a new culvert and replace the concrete in this area.
With winter on the horizon, crews will be busily working to get as much done as possible, so please respect closures and follow detours in work areas for your safety and that of the crews.
-WeServeTheCity-
Contact:
Brad Setter, Open Space, Trails, Rodeo and Howelsen Hill Supervisor, 970.879.4300 or email
Craig Robinson, Parks, Open Space and Trails Manager, 970.879.4300 or email
Angela Cosby, Parks & Recreation Director, 970.879.4300 or email