CDOT encouraged by condition of I-70 Glenwood Canyon after consistent precipitation,anticipated to open by daybreak

GLENWOOD SPRINGS - Barring any further weather impacts through the night, CDOT crews anticipate opening I-70 Glenwood Canyon by daybreak on Friday, Aug. 20. Crews were encouraged by how well the canyon landscape weathered over three inches of rain that fell over a 24 hour period.

The National Weather Service forecast calls for continued precipitation to dissipate in the early morning hours. Crews have already commenced cleaning up three small material slides in several areas that have seen activity before.

The Colorado Department of Transportation closed Interstate 70 in both directions through Glenwood Canyon at mile points 133 (Dotsero) and MP 116 (Glenwood Springs) at 4:20 p.m. on Aug. 18 due to a Flash Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service. 

Rain gauges throughout the area measured over three inches of rain in several locations. CDOT will continue to follow the same standard traffic safety and detour procedures that have been in place during the previous closure as forecasts dictate. The repairs in Glenwood Canyon have held up through this weather event so far. 

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:

• CDOT webpage: codot.gov

• CDOT safe driving tips: codot.gov/travel/driving-safety and downloadable flyer

• CDOT’s official and only road conditions website: COtrip.org

• CDOT project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COalerts

• CDOT social media: Twitter @coloradodot and Facebook facebook.com/coloradodot

• CSP impaired or aggressive driver hotline Dial: *CSP (*277)

• CSP social media: Twitter @CSP_News and Facebook facebook.com/ColoradoStatePatrol

• Tune in to your preferred weather source