The Colorado Department of Transportation reports repairs have been completed on a US Highway 50 emergency truck ramp located at milepost 204, about four miles east of Monarch Pass summit. The runaway truck ramp is now operational.

“This mountain corridor is heavily used by freight drivers so it was high on our priority to repair the runaway truck ramp and also keep the traveling public safe during the construction period.” Julie Constan, Region 5 Transportation Director said, “CDOT worked closely with Colorado State Patrol to inform commercial drivers of the closure and monitor traffic speeds throughout the work zone.”

After sinkholes were located on the runaway truck ramp in June of 2022, plans were made to replace the existing metal culvert with a reinforced concrete pipe and headwall. In addition to the ramp infrastructure improvements, guardrails and overhead signage have been upgraded.

The permanent repairs and upgrades will improve highway safety for all motorists and prolong the life of the truck ramp structure.

Due to Colorado’s mountainous terrain, commercial truckers can easily overheat their brakes causing failure. Drivers are encouraged to utilize low gears and descend mountain passes at slow speeds to avoid brake failure. Runaway truck ramps are located along highway corridors with steep grades so that truckers can exit the highway and avoid collisions if brake failure occurs. A runaway truck ramp is located on either side of Monarch Pass, milepost 194 (westbound) and MP 204 (eastbound). Drivers should never hesitate to utilize runaway truck ramps if they lose control of their vehicle, said the department.