Huerfano County Road and Bridge Department has a road network consisting of roughly 700 miles of roads. These roads are primarily gravel with some unimproved roads that are just the natural soil. Asphalt and Chip Seal roads only make up 21 miles of our roadways that the department takes care of.
The Department currently has a staff of 19 employees that keep up with the maintenance of the roads. Maintenance items extend past just blading roads and fixing potholes. While there are graders out every day trying to improve the conditions of the road, there are other items taken care of by the department. Within the county roads there are 430 cattle guards and 930 culverts that have to be maintained when something happens to them. The department also oversees snow removal during the winter months, ensuring that residents can travel safely even in the harshest weather conditions. Road and Bridge serves as the backbone of the community, maintaining and repairing vital infrastructure that keeps residents connected.
One of the main challenges faced by the department is the limited budget available for road maintenance and repairs. Like many rural counties across the state, Huerfano County struggles to get funding for infrastructure projects, and equipment replacement leading to delays in much-needed upgrades. Despite these challenges, the Road and Bridge Department has been able to make significant progress in recent years, with a focus on prioritizing projects based on safety.
In 2025, the department is in the process of completing a major bridge rehabilitation project on County Road 543, replacing an aging structure with a new concrete box culvert that can accommodate heavier loads and withstand high flows of the Huerfano River. This project is to help improve the safety of the community, by allowing heavier weight to travel over the structure, without risk of bridge failure.
During the summer months we do our annual application of Mag Chloride, this is to help improve the stability of high traveled roads. Although the price of the product continues to increase and our treatment mileage has decreased, we are still treating about 21 miles of gravel roads. This treatment allows the department to focus on other county roads, since the treatment holds the roads together and doesn’t require frequent maintenance.
Looking ahead, the Road and Bridge Department has a number of opportunities for growth and improvement. With advances in technology in new equipment and the possibilities with drones for aerial inspections, after major storms, the department can streamline its operations and increase efficiency. There are many new ways to get eyes on a possible hazardous situation with the new technology coming out daily.
In conclusion, the Huerfano County Road and Bridge Department plays a vital role in supporting the well-being of the community. Despite facing budget constraints and other challenges, the department demonstrates a commitment to excellence, in its approach to infrastructure maintenance. By continuing to prioritize safety, efficiency, and collaboration, the road and bridge department will be able to meet the needs of residents and businesses in Huerfano County for years to come.
