Results
Delivered critical avalanche mitigation infrastructure within a restricted alpine environment.
Enhanced public safety and operational reliability for US Highway 550 year-round.
Provided CDOT with a long-term, remotely operated solution reducing exposure of workers to hazardous conditions.
Successfully managed extreme logistics, ensuring timely and safe completion in one of Colorado’s most challenging alpine corridors.
Project
Solution
Installed two Gazex exploders at Blue Point/Blue Willow and three O’Bellx systems at Mother Cline.
Utilised rope access methods for anchor drilling, installation, and formwork.
Deployed helicopter lifts for concrete placement and positioning of materials.
Implemented remote-control systems enabling safe avalanche initiation via gas explosions, eliminating manual intervention.
Project
Challenges
Remote alpine location at 12,000ft with extreme elevation and limited access.
Ongoing traffic flow on US Highway 550 directly below the avalanche paths.
Complex logistics requiring aerial delivery of materials and equipment.
Workforce management under high-elevation constraints and harsh alpine conditions.
Project
Overview
At 12,000 feet above US Highway 550 in Ouray County, Colorado, this avalanche mitigation project delivered critical safety infrastructure for the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). Acting as Principal Contractor, the project focused on the installation of permanent and seasonal remote avalanche control systems across three high-risk slide paths.
The works combined rope access, helicopter operations, and alpine construction techniques while maintaining traffic flow on the active highway below.