Traffic holds on I-70 in Glenwood Canyon tomorrow for helicopter operations

Travel Advisory

August 10, 2022 - Northwestern Colorado - 30-minute holds necessary to protect traveling public during debris flow fence construction

Statewide —The Colorado Department of Transportation and contracted partners will oversee necessary helicopter operations along Interstate 70 in Glenwood Canyon on Thursday, Aug. 11. Crews will use a helicopter to lift rockfall fence materials and equipment to the steep canyon slope above Mile Point 123.5/Blue Gulch for debris flow fence construction. The safety-critical operation is required to protect the traveling public on I-70 in Glenwood Canyon and is an important part of resiliency work in the canyon. If weather prevents helicopter operations, work will be rescheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 16.

During helicopter operations, crews will hold eastbound and westbound traffic for up to 30 minutes in both directions while the helicopter lifts rockfall fence supplies and equipment to the slopes above I-70. Crews will then release the queue of motorists lined up at the closure points. Once the queue is cleared, crews will hold traffic again. Holds will take place 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 11. As a safety measure, the Glenwood Canyon recreation path and rest areas will also be closed.

This project is a continuation of emergency repairs carried out through the winter and spring. Work is contingent on the weather forecast.

The current phase of the emergency relief project is being undertaken to provide mitigation measures for future geohazard events. Work on the project includes: rock scaling, traffic control, debris barriers, gabion baskets, excavation, and pier protection. Work is anticipated to be complete later this fall.

Midwest Rockfall, Inc. is the contractor on the geohazard mitigation project. Lawrence Construction is the contractor on the continuation of repairs to I-70.

Traffic Impacts

  • On Thursday, Aug. 11, eastbound and westbound traffic will have traffic stops lasting 20-30 minutes, from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
  • Intermittent single lane closures throughout the canyon will take place Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. throughout the lifespan of the project.

Project Information

For additional information about this project:

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:

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be patient!

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