Intermittent stops on I-70 in Glenwood Canyon announced for helicopter operations
GARFIELD COUNTY/GLENWOOD CANYON— The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has announced that there will be intermittent stops on I-70 between Grizzly Creek (mile point 121), and Hanging Lake Tunnel (mile point 125), on Thursday, March 3 for helicopter operations in Glenwood Canyon. The stops are scheduled from 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. This critical path work is necessary to hang the rockfall netting on the slope where the rockslide occurred on Monday, Feb. 15.
“We are hopeful that by accelerating this work utilizing the helicopter operations that our GeoHazards team can complete the netting necessary to allow the road repairs to begin on the westbound deck,” Damian Leyba, CDOT project engineer, said. “A helicopter will be lifting fencing materials into place on the 1000 ft. slope above the roadway. Helicopter operations can be delicate in nature, so closing the road intermittently strikes the best balance between safety and keeping traffic moving.”
Motorists are reminded to turn on headlights for safety and that there is a heavy Colorado State Patrol presence in the canyon as the traffic configuration remains in the two-way, head-to-head detour maintained by pace cars to control speed through the work zone. Posted speeds in the canyon are 35 mph and no passing in the two-way traffic zone.
TRAFFIC IMPACTS: Crews are making every effort to minimize impacts to traffic but delays should be expected. All helicopter operations are extremely weather dependent. Drivers are asked to be aware that the helicopter will be operating in Glenwood Canyon above the roadway. CDOT advises drivers to remain focused on the road and follow all traffic regulations in the work zone.
CDOT would like to remind motorists to Slow for the Cone Zone.
PROJECT INFORMATION: Updated road conditions are available at www.cotrip.org or by calling 511 from anywhere in the state. Updates are also available via Twitter @coloradodot and be sure to “Like” our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/coloradodot. Information about weekly lane closures will be available at https://www.codot.gov/travel/
