lferrell@alamosanews.com 

CREEDE — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rapid Response Team are spearheading a project that is scheduled to run through September 2026. The urgent construction is designed to prevent a collapse of the Commodore waste rock pile, protecting tourists and stabilizing the area for future Superfund cleanup operations slated for this fall.  

During the initial weeks of the project, crews will focus on constructing a temporary reroute road. Motorists traveling the Bachelor Loop must adhere to the following traffic changes:  

•  One-way traffic: All loop traffic will be strictly one-way, running from north to south. Drivers must begin their trip at the south end of Creede and exit through the canyon on the north end. 
•  Lane closures: Traffic will be reduced to a single lane within the construction zone. 
•  No stopping: Stopping will bestrictly prohibitedinside the active work area.  
• Delays: Commuters and tourists shouldanticipate short, periodic delays throughout the day.  

The project follows a November 2025 inspection by engineering firm Harrison Western, which was hired by Mineral County to evaluate the old crib wall. The inspection revealed that both sides of the wall were at risk of imminent failure. While temporary anchors and mesh were installed to protect the structure during the winter freeze and spring runoff, long-term stabilization falls under federal oversight.  

Planned structural work for the summer includes regrading the massive waste rock pile to alleviate physical pressure on the roadside crib wall, alongside repairing or replacing cribbing along the east side of the pile.  

Dania Zinner, EPA Nelson Tunnel Superfund project manager, noted that maintaining the visual history of the mining landmark is a top priority.  

"We are going to do our best to keep the historical integrity intact as we stabilize the crib wall," Zinner said.  

Acknowledging the frustration of summer road impacts, Zinner stated that the work must be completed during the warmer months. She encouraged visitors to utilize East Willow Creek to enjoy the remainder of the Bachelor Loop while construction is underway.  

The EPA, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and the U.S. Forest Service will continue to notify the community of ongoing impacts. For questions, call 918-841-0394. There will also be in-person updates and day-to-day advisories posted at the U.S. Forest Service Main Street office in Creede.  

Project summaries and progress reports can be found on the EPA Nelson Tunnel Superfund page at www.epa.gov/superfund/nelson-tunnel.