I-70 in Colorado’s Glenwood Canyon closed after rockslide

A tractor-trailer got caught in a rockslide Monday along I-70 in Glenwood Canyon in Colorado. Photo courtesy of the Colorado DOT.

A portion of I-70 in Colorado is closed following a rockslide that occurred early Monday, Feb. 15, around 2:30 a.m., according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.

The rockslide occurred in Glenwood Canyon at mile marker 124.2, directly west of Hanging Lake Tunnel and eight miles east of Glenwood Springs. The Colorado Department of Transportation said it flagged traffic through the area throughout the day Monday as it worked to clear the boulders, but another rockslide Monday night around 9:03 p.m. caused the full closure of I-70 through the canyon.

Courtesy CDOT.

CDOT said it’s unknown when the Interstate will reopen. The alternate route for westbound motorists is north on CO 131 at Wolcott to Steamboat Springs, west on U.S. 40 to Craig, then south on CO 13 to Rifle and back to I-70. This is a 203-mile alternate route that will take about three hours and 50 minutes to travel. This detour adds 146 miles and about three hours to a regular trip from Wolcott to Rifle on I-70, which is 67 miles or about 45 minutes.

A tractor-trailer got caught in the landslide Monday night and was disabled, CDOT said, but no injuries were reported. With the help of the Colorado State Patrol on Tuesday morning, crews were able to clear out any tractor-trailers that were stuck in the canyon. Passenger vehicles were cleared out overnight, CDOT said.

A geohazards team is on site and in a helicopter evaluating the damage and, according to the CDOT, there is roadway, retaining wall and bridge/guardrail damage.

For updates on I-70’s status and other Colorado travel information, check the CDOT’s website.

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