After hearing from disgruntled residents, the Montezuma County Commission voted 3-0 to deny a request by the road department to close a short section of Road P in heavy snow conditions.
“I was not elected to close roads,” said commissioner Larry Don Suckla. “Once you take away the freedom of the people, it does not go back.”
Road P between Road 31 and Road 32 crosses Cash Canyon and can get treacherous in winter.
Road supervisor Rob Englehart said the section is difficult to clear of snow, and public vehicles tend to get stuck. Alternative routes are longer.
He suggested it be closed during severe conditions with unlocked gates, and that signs be installed warning drivers it is not regularly maintained in winter.
By gating it without a lock, the public will get the hint to avoid it, he said, and give plow crews time to clear it.
“If they go through, they know what they’re getting into,” he said.
Several residents said they rely on the route.
“I’ve been driving it for 15 years to work and always give myself plenty of time,” a commuter said.
Eva Horne said it’s the fastest route for emergency responders to her neighborhood.
“If it’s closed, they would have to go around, and that takes more time,” she said. “It should be maintained just like any other county road.”
Englehart said road crews would continue to plow the section.