Great Divide, Section 3, Maps A&B – 2014

[mmoser]

There is construction on SR 71/Sage Creek Rd. south of Rawlins - from 26 miles south of Rawlins (around mile 164 on our Great Divide Map A) to the junction of Highway 70 (on Map B). The road will be closed between 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Saturday, excluding Federal holidays.

A possible re-route if you can cross through the northern 5 miles of the construction area during a time when the road is open:
169(272)Turn right onto McCarty Canyon Rd./CR 503. 195(314)Continue straight onto Cherry Grove Rd. 203.5(328) Turn right onto CR 561. 204.5(329)Savery. Turn left onto State Hwy. 70. 209(336)Slater.  Rejoin route on Map B at mile 42.1(67.7).
 
(updated post 20 June 2014)

[randyfay]

Current information on this project can be found on
http://map.wyoroad.info/hi.html

Note the phone number provided, 307-200-9188. They actually called us back.

In mid August 2014 we did this (southbound) by arriving at the construction at 5pm and riding until dark, then rising early to get through the rest. In most of the 27 miles the surface was adequate to good. The closure barriers were not up when we passed, but it appeared that the southermost 8 miles were the actual closure area.

We have heard of angry workers and conflicts from other travelers trying to cross this, but we had no trouble, nor did another couple on the same day.

If I had it to do again I'd just do the suggested reroute if only because of the length of the construction zone.

Here is a copy/paste from today's info on wyoroad.info:
WY 71 Sage Creek Road
Project Number: WY PFH 26-1(3)
Scheduled Completion Date: 2015-Jan-01
WY 71 (Sage Creek Road) has construction starting Monday May 12, 2014. The road will be CLOSED to vehicles Monday-Saturday 8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm excluding federal holidays. If you need accommodations call 307-200-9188. construction expected to last 6-7 months.
Road   Milepost(s)   Surface   Delays and Scheduled Closures
US26   26.0 to 34.53   Gravel, Dirt   
Closed, on -MTWTFS, from 1300, to 1700
Closed, on -MTWTFS, from 0800, to 1200
Last Updated: 2014-06-25 00:17:52.428

[Nicolai Michel]

Calling the number I got a message saying the road is now open to the public.

[JHamelman]

Thanks for the update and info!

Best,
.Jennifer.

[Nicolai Michel]

I confirm the road is open, and it seems it will remain that way. Construction continues though.

[mmoser]

Thanks for that info Nicolai!   

We got another report that the construction area of SR 71/Sage Creek Rd. is nearly impassable if it has rained.  So consider taking the reroute if it has been wet.

[newfydog]

Well, we just rode it an hour ago.  It is open and passable.  The workers were absolutely wonderful.  In spite of a downpour a few days ago, the mud is dry and it is already dusty.  The day before yesterday the mud was so bad in Slater Park we had to carry our bikes-----so much mud the wheels wouldn't roll.

There must be a 100 pieces of equipment on this project.  We were seriously in the way in a few places, and after riding half the construction, some guys in a truck offered us a ride to the end of the contruction zone.  They gave us water, a gatorade from their lunch, and sent us off to Rawlins. 

We're ending this year's ride here and I'll be home in a week and will see if there is a good public detour which does not miss Aspen Alley.  For now, we're off to the bar.

best to all on the trail

newf