Southwest Incident Command Team Operational

Durango, CO – The Southwest Incident Command Team has established an incident command post to manage all local emergency or non-emergency, traffic and related issues surrounding the USAPro Challenge bicycle race. The first related events occurred on Thursday evening with the “Tutu to Brew” ride from downtown Durango to SKA Brewery in Bodo Park. There will be events through the weekend leading up to and including race day, Monday, August 20. Durango Fire Rescue Authority Chief Dan Noonan and Durango Police Chief Jim Spratlen will act as incident commanders in a unified command process through this period.

Throughout the pre-event period and on race day, there will be road closures and alterations to normal parking regulations which will affect the downtown Durango area. On the day of the race, the closures will also affect other roads around Fort Lewis College and north of downtown as the race course exits town on CR 211 toward Lake Nighthorse, circles on to CR 141 to Highway 160 West on their way to Telluride.

The public is asked to please be patient, particularly with respect to bicycle traffic, parking and traffic changes around the events. Road closures will be clearly marked as they occur. Parking will be limited in many areas normally open to the public. Signs have been placed on meter posts closing certain areas to public parking, and parking restriction begin to take effect Saturday at 3 pm. These and other changes will continue through the weekend. Please look for, read and respect any signs which are placed by local officials. The closures will vary from day to day and even hour to hour depending on the nature and location of events.

The incident command team will support the USA Pro Challenge and has a primary objective of providing for the safety of all area residents and those attending the race. According to Chief Noonan, “We just want everyone to have a great experience. Staying safe is one of the best ways to make sure that happens.” Volunteers and emergency responders will be deployed throughout the weekend to answer questions and assist anyone needing help.

A Hotline has been established to respond to questions and concerns. The hotline can be reached at 970-375-4646.

Note(Not for publication): The PIO contact number for the incident management team is 970-375-4703. We will be responding to email at [email protected]. Several persons, all affiliated with the La Plata County Public Information Network, will be staffing the position and answering this phone over the weekend.

For race related inquiries and information contact Allison Johnson([email protected]), at 303-507-8355