Kremmling-area residents urge county to act after crashes at Red Dirt Hill intersection

Summary

Neighbors told the Grand County commissioners that the US 40/County Road 54 (Red Dirt Hill) intersection is dangerous in winter conditions and urged the county to press CDOT or reduce posted speeds. A resident said follow-up from state agencies has been limited and suggested a petition and further county engagement.

Marty Mara, speaking during the public comment period, described the County Road 54 approach at Red Dirt Hill as a recurring public-safety hazard.

"We have to acknowledge that the most dangerous part of living here isn't wildfires, wolves, or water. It's... the sound of a car crushing us and our passengers at this intersection," Mara said, summarizing his engineering review and concerns about a 6% pitch and limited sight distance at the intersection.

Mara told the board he has repeatedly raised the issue with Road and Bridge and the Colorado Department of Transportation and that local residents are frustrated by recent serious accidents near the hill. He urged a reassessment of priorities and said CDOT had told him there were no additional plans for modifications to Red Dirt Hill for 25 years; he said he intends to gather resident signatures seeking a reduced speed limit between County Road 53 and County Road 55 if the county cannot get CDOT to act.

Ending: Commissioners acknowledged the concern, and staff noted previous contacts with CDOT; no formal action or vote was taken during the meeting.