(CUSTER COUNTY, Colo.) — An active rockslide has closed the junction of Highway 96 and Highway 165 for safety concerns on Sunday, Dec. 29, around 3:30 p.m., according to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).

Courtesy: Custer County Sheriff’s Office

Courtesy: Wet Mountain Fire Protection District

According to COTrip, CO 96 is closed in both directions at County Road 358, 11 miles east of Silver Cliff at Mile Point 16.5. Highway 165 is also closed in both directions between CO96 and County Road 386, 29 miles south of Colorado City at Mile Point 1. Road closures are expected to last overnight.

Courtesy: Colorado Department of Transportation

According to the Custer County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), alternate routes include:

Rye to San Isabel to Mackenzie Junction via Highway 165 or

Cañon City to Westcliffe via Oak Creek Grade (CR255) or

Cañon City to Westcliffe via Copper Gulch (CR 215) or

Texas Creek to Westcliffe via Highway 69

As of 4:40 p.m., CCSO reported that the rock slide was still a danger and that an initial CDOT assessment determined that a geologist would need to respond to assess the situation.

At 6 p.m., CCSO reported that CDOT anticipates a multi-day highway closure to allow an inspection by the geologist before crews can enter the slide zone and begin cleanup. Specialized rockfall mitigation may also be needed. CDOT will set up electronic sign message boards in Silver Cliff, Wetmore, and Rye.