New Gateway Signs in Clear Creek County

Cassandra Patton (Cass Patton) is the artist and designer of the Clear Creek County, Colorado Gateway Signage.

Currently, there are three signs at approximately 12′ x 8′ installed in Clear Creek County; Interstate 70 at Floyd Hill, Interstate 70 at Loveland Pass, and U.S. Highway 40 at Berthoud Pass.

The new design honors the original, hand painted Clear Creek County signage produced by the late, Wendel Pugh of Georgetown, Colorado. Cass designed the new signage with new branding elements and incorporated mountain peaks with a vibrant color scheme.

Installation

Cass worked with the Colorado Department of Transportation to ensure all protocols were met. She managed the project in its entirety and ensured everything was done correctly. From selecting the fabricator and installation team to working alongside Technical Services, the Mapping Department, County Commissioners, CDOT, House of Signs, and the Clear Creek County Tourism Bureau, Cass led the project to completion.

Installation required several team members, a boom truck, 3′ deep post holes below the surface, 16′ tall posts with break-away ability, as well as traffic control plans, and assistance from the Clear Creek County Sheriff and CDOT to assist with install as well.

Before the original gateway sign was replaced, the Interstate 70 sign collapsed due to high winds. The Interstate 70 sign at Loveland was involved in a motor-vehicle wreck. And, Berthoud Pass did not have a large gateway sign.

New Location – Herman Gulch

Over the years, the new signs have continued to face weather, wrecks, relocation for construction, and recreational shooting. In fact, the entire sign at Interstate 70 and Loveland Pass went missing. Cass worked with the County Insurance to cover the cost of a replacement. Site visit analysis was completed, and ultimately the Loveland Pass location was relocated further east to Exit 218 at Herman Gulch.

House of Signs out of Frisco, Colorado was a tremendous partner on all installation, and worked diligently alongside Cass to complete the new install at Herman Gulch.

Overall the County Gateway Signage is something Cass is grateful to be part of. Definitely, a tremendous journey. Today, the signage remains vibrant while representing the County as well as; Idaho Springs, Empire, Georgetown, and Silver Plume. Truly, this sign design is a great representation of Colorful Colorado in the beautiful Rocky Mountains!