Mesa County commissioners just threw their full weight behind a $9.5 million emergency request to replace a failing box culvert under Interstate 70 that is literally holding up both the highway and public access to one of western Colorado’s favorite trailheads.
The structure scored a shocking 22.4 out of 100 on federal sufficiency ratings. Bulging walls, deep cracks, and foundation damage have put the culvert on the brink of collapse.
Why Drivers and Hikers Are Both at Risk
The culvert sits just east of Grand Junction near the Mount Garfield trailhead in the Book Cliffs. It carries the only paved access road under I-70 to the popular hiking and mountain biking area.
A collapse would cut off the trailhead for years and could send tons of debris onto the interstate below.
Every day, more than 30,000 vehicles travel this stretch of I-70, the main artery connecting Grand Junction to Denver and Utah. CDOT inspectors have documented severe spalling, exposed rebar, and water seepage that is actively worsening the damage.
County officials warn that without immediate replacement, the structure could fail during spring runoff or a heavy storm, creating a life-threatening hazard for motorists and blocking recreation access for thousands of residents.
Commissioners Send Strong Letter to U.S. DOT
On Tuesday, the Mesa County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a letter of support for CDOT’s application to the federal PROTECT grant program.
“The safety of our traveling public and the preservation of recreational access for future generations depend on this project,” the letter states.
Commission Chair JJ Fletcher told reporters after the vote: “This isn’t just about concrete and steel. It’s about making sure families can keep hiking Mount Garfield and that people can drive I-70 without looking up and wondering if something is about to fall on them.”
The county emphasized that Mount Garfield trailhead sees heavy year-round use, with parking lots regularly full on weekends from March through November.
Price Tag and Timeline
CDOT estimates full replacement at $9.4 million, with construction slated for 2026-2027 if funding is approved.
The project includes:
- Complete removal of the existing 1960s-era box culvert
- Installation of a larger, modern structure designed for heavier loads and flood events
- Improved trailhead access road and parking improvements
- Enhanced drainage to protect against future washouts
Federal funding would cover 80-90 percent of costs, with Colorado and Mesa County splitting the local match.
Colorado’s Bigger Infrastructure Crisis
This culvert is just one example of Colorado’s aging transportation network.
Statewide, CDOT has identified more than 200 bridges and large culverts in poor condition. Many date to the original construction of I-70 through the Rockies in the 1960s and 1970s.
The American Road & Transportation Builders Association ranks Colorado 12th in the nation for highest percentage of structurally deficient bridges.
Local residents have been sounding the alarm for years. Hikers regularly post photos on social media showing water pouring through cracks and chunks of concrete falling into the drainage below.
“This has been a known problem for at least five years,” said Grand Junction resident Sarah Martinez, who hikes Mount Garfield weekly. “We’re relieved someone is finally doing something before it’s too late.”
The Mount Garfield trail system offers some of the best views in the Grand Valley, with routes leading to the summit and connecting to the larger Book Cliffs recreation area used by hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and hunters.
Losing access would be devastating for both physical and mental health in a community that prides itself on outdoor lifestyle.
Mesa County and CDOT officials say they will know by early 2025 whether the federal grant is awarded. If denied, they will have to find alternative funding sources or implement emergency weight restrictions and eventual closure of the trailhead access road.
For now, the culvert remains open, but county leaders are urging the federal government to act quickly.
This is our infrastructure. This is our safety. This is our way of life in western Colorado. The time to fix it is now.
What do you think: should federal dollars prioritize these kinds of hidden but critical infrastructure projects? Drop your thoughts below.
