Security Measure Compromise Reached For Dillon Dam Road
SUMMIT COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4)- It's considered one of the most important roads in the mountains, but Denver Water controls access to to the Dillon Dam Road and often shuts it down to traffic. That's about to change since a compromise has been reached.
Two years ago, Denver Water shut down access to the road, giving Summit County just a few hours notice.
"From day one, it's really been unacceptable for us in Summit County to have this road closed," said Summit County Commissioner Dan Gibbs.
Denver Water eventually reopened 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 recreate there," said Denver Water spokeswoman Stacy Chesney.
"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," said Gibbs.
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 allows 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," said Chesney.
Visitors are happy about the proposed changes.
"When I drove this road myself, I had to stop. I was in tears. It is stunningly beautiful, gorgeous," said Mary Stoede, tourist. "You've got to take this side road, don't take the highway."
