BOULDER - Starting Tuesday, Boulder Creek is closed from Boulder Falls to the city of Boulder's western limits.
In the city, Boulder Creek will be closed from the western city limits through the city to the eastern city limits, located at approximately 75th Street and Jay Road.The Boulder County Sheriff's Office says the closure will remain in effect until the work is completed.
"There's a lot of debris and sediment. We have tree limbs. We even have concrete with exposed rebar," said Kim Kobel with Boulder Police.
"Right now, it's just not safe. We need to do the restoration. Once that happens, we'll open the creek back up," she added.
During the closure, swimming, floating (including inner tubes), canoeing or kayaking is not permitted. Officials say heavy construction equipment is being used to restore the waterway. The equipment could be dangerous to swimmers or those using watercraft or other flotation devices.
The Boulder city manager has issued an emergency rule that makes it a violation to swim or use any watercraft in the water while the repair work is underway.
Police will enforce the rule and may issue citations to people found violating the rule. The penalty is a maximum fine of up to $1,000.00 and/or a possible jail sentence of up to 90 days.
Kobel says they estimate the creek will be closed for roughly 60 days.
Boulder Fire-Rescue will accept public comment on the emergency rule for 30 days before deciding whether to extend the rule. Comments may be directed to the fire department at 303-441-4178.
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