MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. -- The popular Mt. Manitou Incline hiking trail is closing earlier than expected.
Officials announcedin Marchthat the Incline would close Monday, August 22 for four months for repairs. However, the Incline is being closed Friday night because of the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon being held Saturday and Sunday.
The Incline will then remain closed until December as work crews make repairs on the old railway bed.
The trail, which starts near the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, was closed for several months in 2014 for the first phase of repairs.
During phase two of the repair work crews will repair and replace damaged retaining walls, clean up rebar and loose debris, add more drainage structures, stabilize the existing ties, and stabilize the surrounding slopes.
The latest work will be done between Tie 1 and Tie 1525, officials said.
The Incline is a series of stairs/ties that climb 2,000 feet in just less than a mile. It's popular with hikers, runners and visitors.
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The 2016 project will cost $1 million, according to the City of Colorado Springs.
The City of Colorado Springs is responsible for the general oversight, trail enhancements, and maintenance of the Incline and to apply for grants for fund improvements, per the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Manitou Springs.
For more information on the construction project, visit the Incline's website.
