I-70 MOUNTAIN CORRIDOR UPDATE: Traffic is moving in Glenwood Canyon

May 21, 2019 - Northwestern Colorado - Periodic closures can be expected throughout the day

GARFIELD COUNTY, COLORADO – Traffic is moving both eastbound and westbound along I-70 in Glenwood Canyon. The interstate was fully closed for approximately three and a half hours, after a rock slide occurred, just east of Glenwood Springs, in the canyon near exit ramp 122.5 to the Shoshone Hydroelectric Power Plant. Falling rocks damaged some road surface and a concrete wall barrier. No passing vehicles were involved in the rock slide.

STATUS UPDATE

  • Eastbound lanes were opened at 10:45 a.m. after crews cleared debris and repaired a pot hole on the roadway surface.

  • One lane, westbound was opened at 11:45 a.m.

  • Rock fall mitigation and road repairs will continue throughout the day. Travelers will encounter intermittent delays and are urged to drive with caution through the canyon.

Immediately following the rock fall this morning, CDOT maintenance crews were able to clear smaller debris from the interstate which fell on both eastbound and westbound lanes. However, some boulders which fell in the right westbound lane are too large to move with heavy equipment. “Boulder busting” is required of these rocks, some as large as an SUV. The process involves drilling holes into the boulders, then filling the holes with an explosive charge to pop the rock into smaller chunks, making them easier to move. Traffic both eastbound and westbound will be stopped when any blasting occurs.  

This morning a geo-technical team was dispatched to the area to access the cliff side and slope where the rock slide occurred. The team will determine if scaling is required to remove any additional loose rock from the face of the cliff.

Travelers should be aware that the Grizzly Creek rest area, located at MP 121, is closed until electrical power can be restored to the site. The rest area lost power when the rock slide occurred.  

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include: