Rockfall Work in DeBeque Canyon Monday Through Friday Next Week

GARFIELD COUNTY – Colorado Department of Transportation maintenance crews and contractor Yenter Companies will conduct rockfall mitigation on I-70 in DeBeque Canyon next week. The work will involve drilling, blasting and follow-up rock scaling at two separate sites between MP 51 and 52. The project cost is approximately $25,000.

TRAFFIC IMPACTS - Starting Monday at 8 AM, the right lane of EASTBOUND traffic will be closed for drilling work, likely until 7 PM. Beginning Tuesday (at the earliest) and continuing through Friday (possibly sooner), from 8 AM to 7 PM, crews expect to begin intermittent blasting and scaling operations, which will require a full closure of I-70 in both directions. Crews will make every effort to expedite these operations; however, motorists must plan trips for potential delays of up to one hour, at times.

The lengthy delays—if they do occur—are due to safe set-up and dismantling of blasting operations, follow-up scaling to bring down loose rocks, highway clearing and finally, clearing of traffic queues—which can be miles long depending upon traffic. CDOT cannot conduct blasting operations at night. Additional notices will be sent if the work moves more quickly or specific blocks of time for blasting can be set. The goal is to get this work done safely in the minimum amount of days.

Drivers are urged to plan ahead for these potential delays. CDOT thanks motorists for going “Slow for the Cone Zone!” Please log on to www.cotrip.org or call 511 for road conditions. Or sign up for e-mail and/or text alerts on our web site for your area of interest.