News

The Colorado Department of Transportation recently approved a three-year pilot project to allow off-highway vehicles on Colorado Highway 149 in Lake City, thereby allowing riders to travel the entire stretch of the Alpine Loop.

Previously, OHV riders were not allowed on an estimated 3.25-mile stretch of Highway 149.

Now, for the term of the pilot project, OHVs will be allowed to run the Friday before Memorial Day through Sept. 30 from 2021 to 2023.

The Alpine Loop is a 63-mile backcountry route traversing the San Juan Mountains and connects the towns of Silverton, Lake City and Ouray.

According to a statement from Hinsdale County, OHVs will be allowed to ride Highway 149 from County Road 30, south of Lake City, to the Ocean Wave Drive intersection on the north end of Lake City.

“OHVs are not permitted to ride on any other areas of the highway at any time outside the boundaries of the program,” the statement said.

OHVs are permitted on all Lake City and Hinsdale County roads.

As part of the pilot project, officials will place more signs in the area about designated routes and regulations, as well as speed limits, which will be set at 30 mph on Highway 149.

Accidents involving OHVs will be reported to CDOT. The Hinsdale County Sheriff’s Office will hire an officer to focus on enforcing OHV regulations. Penalties and fines will also be increased for OHV infractions.

Hinsdale County said educational efforts to inform OHV riders of rules will include a volunteer information stop, maps of the pilot program route with rules and informational material about OHV operation, and the pilot program.

“CDOT will be provided a report on the pilot program at the end of each OHV season, including specific data from law enforcement ... numbers of accidents involving OHVs on the highway, warnings issued to OHV drivers, tickets issued to OHV drivers,” Hinsdale County said.

OHV counts will also be conducted eight times through the season, and they will be included in the report. The public will also have the opportunity to comment.

Hinsdale County said a similar pilot program took place on Highway 149 in the summers of 2019 and 2020. At the close of the 2020 season, a new pilot program was sought by local officials.

“Following several separate and two joint meetings, county commissioners and town trustees directed their staff to work with CDOT on an application for a new three-year pilot program,” the statement said.