COLTON -- It took a flash flood and several years for a fix to take shape, but the big S-curve on State Rt, 56 south of South Colton is getting a $4.6 million rebuild and some straightening.

The big curve in the road has long been a landmark for travelers in the mountainous terrain coming north from Sevey’s Corners or going south from South Colton along Rt. 56.

When a flash flood along Cold Brook in September 2005 undermined a section of the curve, the state Department of Transportation put a temporary fix in place that permitted traffic to flow through the section again after detours around that part of the road took drivers several miles out of their way.

That surge in Cold Brook also washed out a substantial culvert and a 100-foot section of Route 56 near the French Pond Road. That has since been repaired.

In the photo below, on the day after the flood DOT personnel at the curve were deciding how to handle the situation.

The repair included signal lights to regulate traffic through a single-lane section.

The DOT has now begun its more permanent fix for the section of road, including a substantial rebuild and some straightening of the road there.

In the photo above, sent to us by Pete Austin, some clearing for the road work is shown.

The project is due to be done by Oct. 31, 2013.