CDOT outlines multimodal upgrades, rockfall mitigation and right‑of‑way plans for Placerville area

The Colorado Department of Transportation told San Miguel County commissioners on Tuesday that a multimodal improvement project is planned for Rico, Norwood, Placerville and Sawpit, and that design work is underway for the Placerville segment.

"We will be doing a multimodal improvement project that's focused in the communities of Rico, Norwood, Placerville, and Sawpit," the CDOT representative said, listing sidewalks, curbs, gutters and ADA ramps as typical elements. The presentation noted the work differs by community depending on local needs and funding constraints.

CDOT said money for the project is designated to multimodal improvements and that the agency is coordinating with the county and local contacts about possible relinquishment of certain right‑of‑way parcels along Front Street in Placerville. CDOT described the process as a devolution or partnership agreement in which the department may transfer parcels it no longer needs to the county or a local trust.

On safety work, CDOT said a rockfall mitigation project for Norwood Hill is planned to advertise in the fall and begin in spring 2027; that work will include a temporary single‑lane signal, periods of short full closures when crews remove rockfall hazards, and bridge maintenance on two nearby structures. Staff also flagged a July program of night closures on Red Mountain for tunnel and wall repair and a later advertisement for widening and guardrail work on US 550 north of Ridgeway (delivery aimed at 2028) to address repeated run‑off‑road accidents.

Commissioners and residents raised questions about how many highway accesses would remain, whether public input would be taken on local design features (such as flower boxes and pedestrian crossings), and how temporary easement and survey work would be coordinated. CDOT asked county parks staff to share community contact lists so the department can set up meaningful public meetings and noted its public information officer will publish schedule updates as projects approach construction.

CDOT staff also said transit and local transit partners have coordinated on consolidating and enhancing a SMART bus stop in Placerville to include lighting, low‑glare fixtures and signage; the transit designs were not yet ready for public release. The department urged the community to identify priority areas for any informal speed data collection while it continues safety assessments.

Next steps: CDOT said it will complete parcel surveys, firm up temporary easements where needed, continue design coordination with county staff and bring public engagement materials to town contacts once designs are mature.