McKenzie Junction rockslide cleanup and plans for future mitigation
Jan 06, 2025
(CUSTER COUNTY, Colo.) — FOX21 News is learning more about the cleanup efforts of the rockslide that occurred in the area of McKenzie Junction, at the intersection of Highway 96 and Highway 165 in December.
Geologist: Custer County highway on fault zone, more rockslides will happen
Langston Concrete, a local company based out of Florence, was in charge of the debris removal and the Custer County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) shared an update on Monday, Jan. 6 which also included stats on the cleanup.
Courtesy: Mike LangstonCourtesy: Mike LangstonCourtesy: Mike LangstonCourtesy: Mike LangstonCourtesy: Mike Langston
According to CCSO, Langston Concrete removed the following:
678 truckloads of debris
Each truck contained approximately 25 tons
16,950 tons of debris were removed in just 3 and a half days
"During some time periods they were sending a loaded truck down the hill every two minutes," wrote CCSO about the crews' efforts.
Highway 96 was reopened from Westcliffe to Wetmore shortly after 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 3, five days after the large rockslide, which happened on Sunday, Dec. 29. The rockslide blocked all lanes of 96 and made the intersection with Highway 165 impassable.
Watch video of the rockslide as it happened:
"The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is planning additional rockfall mitigation measures at this site at a future time," wrote CCSO. "CDOT will coordinate with the county regarding impacts to highway traffic when this occurs."