An improved drainage structure has been planned for Old Pueblo Road as El Paso County Public Works crews are completing damage assessment and beginning repairs in the aftermath of the severe thunderstorm that swept through the area Monday and into Tuesday.
A lot of water rushed through the Westside Avenue Action Plan project area in a short period of time. The existing Colorado Avenue bridge has been checked out by engineers to assure that it remains structurally sound. There was still too much water in the area to complete inspections of recently installed retaining walls but initial assessment suggests minimal damage. A video includes more details. The contractor aided with debris removal for nearby businesses hardest hit by Monday’s storm.
Old Pueblo Road at Birdsall Road in the southern part of El Paso County will remain closed to all traffic until further notice. Flooding washed out a 48-inch culvert and after reviewing the damage, El Paso County will order and install a larger culvert. Work to upgrade the drainage structure is expected to begin next week.
The El Paso County Parks Fountain Creek Nature Center was drying out on Wednesday, July 25,2018, after water seeped into the lower level of the building.
The El Paso County Parks Fountain Creek Nature Center will be closed until next week to complete clean up and repairs to buildings. The Center is expected to re-open Tuesday with normal operations. El Paso County trails are open, although trails in the central and southern parts of the county experienced some erosion and should be used with caution.
County crews and equipment were deployed through the Office of Emergency Management to assist with removal of debris from heavily used paved roadways Wednesday. Collaborative efforts in Manitou Springs also wrapped up Wednesday.
The Office of Emergency Management continues to closely monitor weather conditions. With more storms in the forecast residents are reminded to pay attention to their surroundings and monitor local media outlets for weather alerts.
El Paso County Public Health has compiled helpful information on flood preparedness and recovery.