Economic Impacts from Geologic Hazard Events on Colorado Department of Transportation Right-of-Way

Abstract

The economic impacts from geological hazards that occur within or adjacent to Colorado Department of Transportation (DOT) right-of-way can be measured in support of exposure estimation for risk-based asset and performance management. The events include rockfalls, rock slides, landslides, debris flows, and sinkholes and can be categorized as routine maintenance, regular program activities, and urgent response. The statewide economic impacts from geologic hazards were grouped into two categories: (a) direct costs for maintenance labor and equipment, engineering, and construction and (b) indirect costs, including property damage, injury or fatalities, traveler delay, lost productivity, loss of revenue to businesses and communities, and environmental impacts. Annual direct department costs from geologic hazard events average about $17 million to $20 million, which includes maintenance staff response to approximately 8,500 work orders each year. Most work orders are high-frequency events that are addressed daily by maintenance staff. Conversely, some events occur less frequently and have a larger economic impact, particularly for users and communities. In 2014, the economic impact from geologic hazards on Colorado DOT roadways was estimated to be nearly $30 million. Historical data indicate that the 2014 estimate is conservative when high-volume roadways are affected or when more large events occur in a single year. For example, the economic impact for two rockfall events on I-70 in 2004 and 2010 was estimated to be more than $40 million each, adjusted to 2015 dollars. When average Colorado DOT direct expenses are included, the economic impact in those years may have exceeded $60 million.