County says Overpass gate swung, San Juan County to post signage; mid‑May clearing planned
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Summary
San Miguel County road staff reported the Overpass gate has been swung and that San Juan County cleared its side; barricades and signage will be used to prevent circumvention and the county plans dozer work in mid‑May to open the pass for the season, pending forest‑service coordination.
Road and Bridge Director Ryan Reghetti updated the commissioners that San Juan County had cleared snow on its side of the Alpine Loop Overpass and placed rock berms at the summit to prevent vehicles from bypassing the closure. Reghetti said San Juan County plans to install a temporary barricade and that San Miguel County will bring additional barricades and coordinate signage so motorists understand the pass is closed at the summit until county crews complete their work.
"The gate has been swung. The slow reset has receded all the way up past the gate," Reghetti said, adding that San Juan County used rock piles to block circumvention and that both counties will stage hinged signs or barricades to control access and avoid motorists being misled. He said the county tentatively plans mid‑May dozer work and clearing to open the road for the season but may adjust timing based on snow, road softness and Forest Service requirements.
Commissioners urged staff to work with San Juan officials on a visible sign at the county line to prevent drivers from planning full access and being turned around at the summit; Reghetti said he would follow up on signage and transfer barricades as needed.
