Road supervisor updates dust-control plan; commissioners accept Waterview Lane into county maintenance

Ouray County Road and Bridge Superintendent Ty Barger briefed the Board of County Commissioners on Jan. 28 about winter maintenance, crack-seal work, a revised dust-control schedule and priorities for 2025. The update included an explanation of why plowing at Senator Gulch’s steep parking area can be limited for safety and operational reasons, and an announced change to the county dust-control sequencing to ensure County Road 17 receives treatment before the July 4 holiday.

Why it matters: Dust control timing and road maintenance affect public safety, tourism traffic, school travel and recreation access. The board asked the superintendent to prioritize east-valley route County Road 17 for dust control and to coordinate with the sheriff’s office for holiday traffic plans.

Key points from the report: - Senator Gulch: Barger said the county sometimes cannot clear the parking area beyond a secure gate because of elevated avalanche danger and because mine operators sometimes do not pass the gate; road crews do not enter the mine gate when mine operators have restricted access. He also noted the parking area grade is about 18 percent and that parked vehicles frequently lack traction equipment, all of which raise safety concerns. The department has created an improved alternative parking area (Weehawken) and asked users to use that as a safer option in winter. - Dust control sequencing: Barger presented a year-to-year evolution of the dust-control schedule and announced he will re-sequence segments so County Road 17 receives dust control treatment before the July Fourth travel peak, matching a similar earlier priority for Camp Bird Road. He told the board he will publish a summary of schedule changes and a “summary of changes” page for public reference. - Crack sealing and escarpment work: Road and Bridge completed a portion of crack sealing and expects two more weeks on the escarpment segment. Barger described contractor and traffic-control costs and why some segments are closed temporarily during work to avoid expensive daily traffic control costs. - One- and six-year plan: Barger recommended the board formally adopt the road plan by resolution during the budget process to increase clarity and to authorize plan updates; he warned that adjustments will still be necessary when emergencies or shifting priorities arise.

Acceptance of Waterview Lane and Waterview Court into county maintenance The board considered a petition from the Waterview Homeowners Association and unanimously adopted Resolution 2025-004 to accept Waterview Lane and Waterview Court into the county-maintained road system. HOA representatives confirmed they will record a perpetual public access easement across the open space that provides formal pedestrian access; the county will not take ownership of open space but will require recorded public-easement documentation. HOA officers present said they had paid for required survey work and will coordinate with county staff to record the easement and finalize the paperwork.

Commissioners and staff noted the acceptance will not immediately add the roads to federal/state funding lists but will ensure the county has the authority to maintain the roads subject to appropriation. Superintendent Barger said the roads are an easy operational fit and will be added to the maintenance schedule; he described a plan for follow-up, a recordation checklist and an inspection after HOA preparatory maintenance.

Outcome: Road priorities and the dust-control sequencing changes were accepted as staff direction; the board unanimously approved Resolution 2025-004 to add Waterview Lane and Waterview Court to the county-maintained road system, with staff to coordinate recording of the public easement and to notify the HOA about next steps.

What’s next: Barger will publish the dust-control schedule and “summary of changes” to the road plan; county staff will prepare the recorded resolution and coordinate with the HOA to notarize and record the public easement for Waterview open space access.