Central Federal Lands Highway Division
Colorado Forest Highway 80 / Guanella Pass Road - Phase II

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has prepared a Record of Decision (ROD) for the proposed project on Colorado Forest Highway 80, also known as Guanella Pass Road. The proposed project begins at U.S. Highway 285 in Grant, Colorado, and proceeds in a northerly direction over Guanella Pass, ending at the south edge of Georgetown, Colorado. The alternative selected to accomplish the purpose and address the needs of the proposal is Alternative 6. Alternative 6 will provide a consistent roadway width of 22 feet, including two 9-foot lanes and 2-foot shoulders. The type of construction consists of approximately 19 percent full reconstruction, 18 percent light reconstruction, and 63 percent rehabilitation. Under Alternative 6, approximately 56 percent of the roadway will have an asphalt pavement with a chip seal overlay, 14 percent will be surfaced with gravel and a dust suppressant, and 30 percent will be surfaced in macadam.

Alternative 6 was selected because it best balances the transportation and maintenance needs with public concerns and the sensitive nature of the environment. Compared to the other alternatives considered in the Final Environmental Impact Statement, Alternative 6 has the least amount of environmental impact and best preserves the rustic nature of the existing roadway while also improving safety and reducing maintenance requirements. The Forest Service, the Park and Clear Creek County Commissioners, and the Town of Georgetown have concurred with the selection of Alternative 6 as the alternative to be implemented for the segments within their respective jurisdictions.

Record of Decision documentation and review locations

The point of contact for this project is:

Additional information can be obtained by contacting Mr. Richard Cushing , Project Manager, at 720-963-3683, or Ms. Jennifer Corwin , Environmental Protection Specialist, at 720-963-3682.