Dillon Dam Road Flap Could Soon Be Resolved
SUMMIT COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - One of the most important roads in the mountains is controlled by Denver Water and Dillon Dam Road is often closed for security reasons, but that's about to change.
The controversy over the road began before the Democratic National Convention came to Denver.
"When I drove this road myself, I had to stop. I was in tears. It is stunningly beautiful, gorgeous," said tourist Mary Stoede. "You've got to take this side road, don't take the highway."
Stoede said the view from the Dillon Dam Road can't be missed. But two years ago, Denver Water shut down the road to traffic, giving Summit County just a few hours notice.
From Day 1 it's really been unacceptable for us in Summit County to have this road closed at all," said Dan Gibbs, Summit County Commissioner.
Denver Water did reopen the road, but continued to close it every day at 10 p.m. to traffic, citing security concerns. Denver Water added security cameras, gates and even emergency barricades to the road over the dam.
"We know that the Dillon Dam Road is an important asset to the folks in the county and people who (use recreation) up there from Denver," Stacy Chesney with Denver Water said.
"Up here in the mountains we don't have a lot of alternatives, so this is a road that many of us locals use to go to the grocery store," Gibbs said.
Now the controversy that has gone on for more than two years could be soon resolved. Patrol trucks on both ends of the dam will be replaced with permanent buildings that allow traffic to flow 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
"The current plan that we're proposing we feel is the best plan for the moment between Summit County and Denver Water. We feel this balances the need for public access and for security," Chesney said.
For visitors and locals, that's the only solution that makes sense.
Authorities in Summit County say keeping the road open is vital for emergency vehicles.
