News From The Colorado Department of Transportation
Rockfall in Glenwood Canyon
I-70 closed to all traffic in both directions between Glenwood Springs and Dotsero
GLENWOOD CANYON - Just after midnight, on March 8, a large rockfall
incident hit I-70 in Glenwood Canyon, near mile marker 125 just west of
Hanging Lake Tunnel. I-70 is closed in both directions to all traffic at
Glenwood (mm 116) and a Dotsero (mm 133). While there is no estimate for
a re-open time, Colorado Department of Transportation will blast and
break up larger boulders today and continue work to assess when a
portion of the roadway may be opened for travel. CDOT will implement
emergency contracting procedures and meet with contractors over the next
couple of days as crews develop repair plans.
It is estimated that this slide brought 20 boulders onto the interstate,
ranging in size from 3 feet to 10 feet in diameter. The largest is
estimated to weigh about 66 tons. The rocks have made holes in the
elevated sections of roadway-the largest being in the westbound lanes
(closest to the hillside) and measuring 20 feet by 10 feet. Another
hole in the lower eastbound lanes measures 6 feet by 6 feet. There are a
half a dozen other holes and "dips" in the roadway, as well as areas
where rocks are embedded. Most of these repair areas appear to be
approximately 5 feet by 5 feet. Rocks are scattered over 100 yards of
roadway. Also damaged are three sections (about 120
linear feet) of steel guard rail and 100 linear feet of median barrier.
The damage is similar to that resulting from the 2004 rockfall incident.
ALTERNATE ROUTES: from westbound I-70: exit at US 40/Empire to State
Highway 13 and back to I-70; exit in Silverthorne and take State Highway
9 to US 40 and State Highway 13; exit at Wolcott/State Highway 131 to US
40 and State Highway 13. From eastbound I-70: exit at Rifle/State
Highway 13 to US 40 and back to I-70. Travelers may also wish to use US
highways 160, 285 and 50 if traveling to destinations south.
I-70 is not expected to open any time soon. CDOT appreciates the
patience of travelers and want everyone to be assurred that crews are
doing everything possible to get the roadway safely open to traffic.