Colorado deploys 5 high

Julie Constan, CDOT's Southwest Regional Transportation Director, underscored the broader benefits of the new systems, stating, "We look forward to these systems helping our maintenance crews keep Red Mountain Pass passable for residents and visitors. This advanced technology also means safer operations for our personnel, more efficient missions, and reduced durations of roadway closures."

Challenges of high-Alpine installation

Contractor Geovert carried out the installation of the high-technology equipment during the summer and fall. Jeff Reichel, CDOT engineer/project manager, highlighted the unique challenges posed by the high-alpine environment, requiring the use of helicopters and rope access technicians to deliver and install construction equipment and supplies.

Two permanent Gazex units were strategically placed at slide paths on Red Mountain Pass, while three O'bellx units were installed at another location. The Gazex units will remain in place year-round, while the O'bellx units, featuring fixed and permanent base components, require resetting on-site each winter with a helicopter. Both systems are remotely controlled using mobile devices such as cell phones or tablets. They use compressed air and gases to generate concussive blasts, triggering controlled avalanches under closed highway conditions.

Collaboration and future expansion

CDOT's innovative project on Red Mountain Pass was a collaborative effort between the engineering and maintenance divisions. The successful implementation has opened the door for identifying new sites across the state to install permanently fixed units along high mountain highways.

Statewide avalanche management

CDOT, in collaboration with the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), actively monitors 522 avalanche paths above many Colorado highways, using various methods, including explosives and gas-based systems, to mitigate hazards in 278 of these paths. CAIC Director Ethan Greene highlighted the partnership: "CAIC and CDOT work together to monitor and plan mitigation missions that ultimately prevent hazardous natural avalanches from impacting public travel."

Expanding the network

The Red Mountain Pass installation represents a milestone as the first fixed avalanche mitigation system on US Highway 550. CDOT currently operates more than 40 remotely controlled systems at various locations across the state, including popular mountain passes such as Monarch Pass, Wolf Creek Pass, Lizard Head Pass, Berthoud Pass, and Loveland Pass. The initiative showcases CDOT's commitment to advancing technology for the region's safety and efficiency of winter travel.