News Release Archive

Reclamation Temporarily Closes Pedestrian Access over Vallecito Dam

Media Contact: Tyler Artichoker, (970) 385-6557, tartichoker@usbr.gov
Justyn Liff , jhock@usbr.gov

For Release: September 09, 2015

DURANGO, Colo. – The Bureau of Reclamation announced today that Vallecito Dam, located near Bayfield, Colorado, will be closed to pedestrian traffic Tuesday, September 8, 2015, to Wednesday, October 7, 2015, for public safety.

The closure is due to the installation of vehicle barriers and boulders at both ends of Vallecito Dam. The construction work will involve heavy equipment, concrete, and open excavations. Construction fence and appropriate signage will be installed in the area. In addition to the dam closure, both parking lots on either side of the dam will be closed for construction access and staging materials and equipment.

A four-foot opening will remain between the barriers and boulders for future pedestrian, horse, ATV, and snow machine access.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.