UPDATE: CO 119 Boulder Canyon will remain closed  for at least two or three days

September 11, 2019 - Northeastern Colorado - Local detours in place

BOULDER —  Colorado Highway 119 in Boulder Canyon will remain closed for at least two or three days following a massive rockfall that occurred this morning when a normal construction blast brought down about 20 times more rock than expected. 

There were no injuries. No vehicles or people were at the actual site since the area was clear under regular safety protocols during scheduled blasting.

TRAVEL IMPACTS 

Travelers are urged to avoid the Boulder Canyon route if possible. Local detours are available. From Boulder, a northern alternate route can be taken via CO 7, US 36 and CO 72. A southern alternate route is available via CO 93 and CO 72. Please note, motorists taking the southern alternate route should be aware of a current project on CO 72 in Coal Creek Canyon, between Plainview Road (mile point 12.3) and Pinecliffe (MP 24.6). Expect lane shifts and short delays at this work zone. Drivers heading to the Denver area can continue south on CO 72 and CO 119 the east on US 6 into Golden.

CO 119 rockfall 9-12-19.jpg

Today’s blast sent approximately 8,000 cubic yards of rock down the side of the mountain and onto the roadway. Usually a blast brings down about 400 cubic yards each time. A cubic yard is about the size of a normal washing machine.

Some of the rock is too large to be moved and additional blasts will be needed to break it up before it can be taken away.

In addition to this rockfall, CDOT geotech officials have found another area of rock that was loosened in this blast that will need to be blasted out to ensure the roadway is safe for regular traffic. 

Anyone wanting to receive text alerts about this project and the closure can text CO119 to 21000.

STAY INFORMED 

Travelers can obtain information about this closure and construction project by: