I-70 through Glenwood Canyon will continue to be closed due to extreme damage from the latest mudslides

Glenwood Canyon – I-70 through Glenwood Canyon will continue to be closed due to extreme damage from the latest round of heavy rain and flooding Saturday night (July 31). This assessment was provided by senior operations supervisors and engineering staff who described damage to the viaduct structure unlike anything they had seen before. CDOT crews are assessing damage and continue to clear debris and mudflow when weather conditions are safe.  Motorists are recommended to use the alternative northern route as described below.  For trucks planning to travel through Colorado, CDOT recommends they take Interstate 80 through Wyoming.

• An updated media kit is available here, and CDOT will continue to add files as crews are able to share them. 

Detour Route Around I-70 Glenwood Canyon

CDOT strongly asks that motorists use the recommended northern alternate route via I-70 - CO 9 - US 40 - CO 13. Westbound motorists from the Denver metro area should exit I-70 at Exit 205 (Silverthorne) and travel north on Colorado Highway 9 towards Kremmling. Travelers will continue west on US Highway 40 and then south on CO 13 to complete the alternate route and return to westbound I-70 at Rifle (Exit 90). Eastbound travelers can detour using the same route in reverse. 

Travel Tips

• Plan ahead, know before you go and check for the latest road conditions by going to COtrip.org.
• Know the latest weather conditions.
• Give yourself extra time and avoid traveling during adverse weather conditions.
• Have an emergency kit in your vehicle, including extra food, water, medicine, clothing, batteries, and other necessities – enough to sustain you for ten hours.
• Make sure your car is in safe driving condition with adequate tires.
• When on the road, obey the speed limit and don’t follow too closely; speeding and tailgating are among the leading causes of crashes, injuries, and fatalities.