CO Highway 71 Closed Between Rocky Ford and Ordway Due to Culvert Failure, Detour in Place

Description: Colorado Highway 71 is closed between Rocky Ford and Ordway after a culvert failure near Impassable Ditch Road. CDOT sets detour via US 50, CO 207, and CO 96. Read the full Press release from Colorado Department of Transportation...


Published: 04/06/2026
Byline: SECO News

― Highway Closure Alert ―  
CO Highway 71 is closed between Rocky Ford and Ordway  

A culvert near Impassable Ditch Road failed and a detour is in place

Otero County — Colorado Highway 71 is closed between Rocky Ford and Ordway due to a culvert failure at Mile Point 17.3 near Impassable Ditch Road. The safety closure is in place for both north- and southbound traffic. Local traffic can access property from either side of the culvert using the designated detour route.

For safety, CDOT has determined that the highway will remain closed until engineers can determine the extent of the highway damage and make necessary repairs. It is not known when the highway will reopen

Traffic Impacts 

CO 71 is closed to through traffic. Traffic impacts will include:

  • CO 71 is closed between Rocky Ford and Ordway.
  • Local property owners can access from either side of the closure point.
  • A detour is in place:
    • From Rocky Ford: Motorists should travel west on US Highway 50 from Rocky Ford, turning north on CO 207 in Manzanola, travel north to CO 96 and travel east to Ordway.
    • From Ordway: Motorists should travel west on CO 96 from Ordway, turning south on CO 207 and travel toward Manzanola/US 50 and travel east on US 50 to Rocky Ford.

Map of Colorado Highway 71 closure between Rocky Ford and Ordway with detour route specified via US 50, CO 207 and CO 96.

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to "know before you go." Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be patient!


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