The Colorado Department of Transportation will open one lane of U.S. 24 to alternating traffic beginning early next week.
The highway has been closed since July 9 because of a hole that opened over an old railroad tunnel beneath the road.
The exact date of the lane opening depends on the work that is completed this weekend, and CDOT officials said they will be sure to alert motorists as soon as they can use the highway next week.
“The project to fill the sinkhole is going extremely well,” said CDOT program engineer Joe Elsen. “Hayward Baker, the contractor, is working seven days a week for 18 hours each day to keep the project progressing on schedule.”
CDOT said both lanes of U.S. 24 will not be fully opened until repairs are complete the week of Aug. 6. All repairs are scheduled to be completed before the USA Pro Challenge bike race goes through the area — barring changes based on weather, natural disasters and other unforeseen circumstances.
The Copper Triangle bicycle ride will be able to use U.S. 24 and Tennessee Pass the weekend of Aug. 4. The cyclists will be able to pass through the construction zone using a 4-foot bicycle lane.
