Alpine Tunnel region closed until October

(SOUTHERN COLORADO) — The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Gunnison Ranger District announced the temporary closure of the region surrounding the Historic Alpine Tunnel road and Palisade Wall on Tuesday, June 18.

The closure will allow for ongoing construction that will begin on June 18 and continue through the summer and fall seasons as weather allows. The closure will be in effect through Thursday, Oct. 31.

Close to 506 acres will be closed in the Alpine Tunnel region.

The closure region includes:

• National Forest System Road (NSFR) #839, Alpine Tunnel Road
• National Forest System Trail (NFST) #298, Williams Pass Jeep trail
• Lands above and below NFSR #839, processing south along the closed corridor surrounding NSFR #839 and continuing south to NSFT #888
• NSFR #767, also known as NFS Road 7767.1B
• NFST #888
• NFST #539
• St. Elmo to Pitkin
  • Alternate routes include traveling via Hancock Pass to Tomichi Pass to Black Sage Pass to Wuanita Pass or via Tin Cup Pass to Cumberland Pass. Both routes will add extra time.

Rock masonry crews will reconstruct the 100-foot section of the Palisade Wall and Alpine Tunnel road that received extensive damage due to an avalanche in 2016.

“The Alpine Tunnel Historic District holds great significance in Colorado’s history,” stated Dayle Funka, Gunnison District Ranger. “It is vital that we acknowledge its importance and preserve it for the coming generations. We are thankful for the funding provided by the Great American Outdoors Act, which will allow us to address the critical restoration needs of the district.”

Visitors who decide to take alternate routes should be prepared for longer travel times and no available services. The purpose of this project is to protect public safety during the Alpine Tunnel Road and Palisade Wall reconstruction activities.

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