Residents of rural El Paso County, Colorado, have voiced growing frustration with Whittemore Road, a historic thoroughfare that becomes nearly impassable after any significant rain or snow. The road, located just east of the Lincoln County line and south of Truckton Road, has long served local families but lacks the modern standards required for reliable year‑round travel.
Long‑time resident Tresia Easom, who has lived on Whittemore Road for 11 years, recounted several occasions where her vehicle became stuck in the mud, causing lengthy delays for emergency responders. “When an ambulance is delayed because the road is a mud pit, families worry about getting the care they need,” Easom said.
County officials explained that Whittemore Road’s historic designation is the primary factor limiting the county’s ability to perform extensive upgrades. The designation recognizes the road’s long history of public use, but it also means the road was never built to current construction standards and is not eligible for the full range of maintenance programs typically applied to newer county roads.
“We can perform only limited maintenance when necessary to keep the road passable,” a spokesperson for the El Paso County Public Works Department said. “Our resources are allocated based on road conditions and the availability of funding, and the historic status restricts the scope of work we can undertake.”
Because of these constraints, drivers are often left waiting days—or even weeks in extreme weather—for the mud to dry enough for safe passage. The county advises motorists to monitor weather forecasts and plan travel accordingly, especially when urgent medical needs arise.
What the historic designation means for residents
The historic road status was granted decades ago to preserve the route’s cultural significance. While it acknowledges Whittemore Road’s role in the region’s development, it also imposes strict guidelines on any alterations. Modern paving, widening, or drainage improvements that could mitigate mud issues are generally prohibited unless a special exemption is granted.
Local officials are exploring options to seek a re‑evaluation of the road’s classification, which could open the door to additional funding and more robust maintenance. However, such a process can be lengthy and requires coordination with state historic preservation agencies.
Community response and next steps
Community members have organized informal meetings to discuss possible solutions, ranging from private gravel donations to coordinated volunteer clean‑up efforts after storms. While these grassroots actions provide short‑term relief, they do not replace the need for systematic infrastructure improvements.
El Paso County commissioners are scheduled to review the road’s status at their next public works meeting. Residents are encouraged to submit written comments and attend the session to voice concerns directly to decision‑makers.
In the meantime, the county continues to issue advisories urging drivers to exercise caution, especially during the rainy season, and to consider alternative routes when possible. The hope is that increased awareness and community pressure will eventually lead to a reassessment of Whittemore Road’s historic designation, allowing for the upgrades needed to keep families safe and emergency services responsive.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
