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Forest Service to Remove Jud Wiebe Bridge
Release Date: Jul 16, 2018
Contact(s): Kimberlee Phillips 970-874-6717, Dylan Peters 970-874-6625
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Norwood Ranger District has announced plans to remove the Jud Wiebe Trail Bridge.
The 45-foot long bridge, which crosses Coronet Creek, is of a log stringer design constructed from timber native to the area. Over the past several years the west side of the bridge has been subject to significant structural damage, including the breaking of one section of the log stringers and the development of dry rot on the remaining sections. In the interest of public safety, a Forest Service Trail Crew will remove the bridge with July 24th, 2018 being set as the tentative start date. A rock ford crossing will be constructed in place of the bridge and the trail will be rerouted to this new crossing. The trail will remain open during this process, but the public is asked to exercise caution when using the bridge and to be aware of Forest Service workers in the area.
The Jud Wiebe Trail (NFST #432) is a high use, non-motorized loop trail that begins on Telluride’s Aspen Drive and ends on Tomboy Road and gains 1,300 feet in elevation over 3 miles of Aspen groves and open meadows. The bridge is located 2 miles east of the Aspen Drive trailhead and is approximately 30 years old.
“One of our main priorities is ensuring the safety of the public on National Forest lands” Said Matt Zumstein, Norwood District Ranger “The removal the Jud Wiebe Bridge and the construction of rock ford will provide for safe and continued access to the area, while we explore long-term options.”