Expect 15-Minute Traffic Holds on US 40 (Berthoud Pass) July 23-24

GRAND COUNTY—From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, July 23 and Tuesday, July 24, motorists should expect traffic holds of up to 15 minutes on US Highway 40 between the top of Berthoud Pass and Winter Park (mile points 241-242). The northbound right lane will also be closed.

During this time, crews will scale rock adjacent to the highway.

This work is part of a project to improve avalanche-control systems along both US 40 and Interstate 70. Motorists may also notice equipment along the right shoulder of westbound I-70, west of the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels (EJMT) early next week. A helicopter is required to lift equipment to remote work sites. I-70 is expected to remain open during helicopter operations. The schedule is weather-dependent and subject to change.

Project Info

Through October, CDOT and contractor partner Geovert LLC will install new avalanche-control measures at the following locations:

1. near the I-70 west portal of the EJMT for the Loop Road slide path;
2. west of the EJMT on the north side of I-70 (MP 212 - 213) for the Batch Plant and Whistler slide paths; and
3. at US 40 Berthoud Pass (MP 241) for the Eighty slide path.

On avalanche-prone slopes that can affect highways, CDOT monitors conditions and employs various methods to bring down unstable snow in a controlled manner, minimizing impacts to the road and travelers. Remotely controlled avalanche systems will be constructed at four known slide paths to assist CDOT with avalanche-control activities.

Gazex® and O'bellx® systems will be installed. Both systems utilize gas explosions instead of traditional explosives. Visit the project website for a brief video on CDOT's use of Gazex® at other avalanche locations.