Interstate 70 in Glenwood Canyon, Colo., was hit by a large rockfall just after midnight on Monday, in the same general area as a rockslide that occurred in November 2004.
It is estimated that this slide brought 20 boulders onto the interstate, ranging in size from three feet to10 feet in diameter, with the largest weighing about 66 tons.
The Colorado Department of Transportation has closed I-70 in both directions at mile market 116 and at Dotsero, mile marker 133. It is unknown when CDOT will reopen this portion. The department plans to blast and break up larger boulders and continue work to assess when a portion of the roadway may be opened for travel. CDOT will implement emergency contracting procedures and meet with contractors over the next couple of days as crews develop repair plans.
By falling onto the interstate, the rocks managed to break holes into the elevated sections of the road, the largest being in the westbound lanes and measuring 20 feet by 10 feet. Another hole in the lower eastbound lanes measures six feet by six feet. There are a half a dozen other holes and "dips" in the roadway, as well as areas where rocks are embedded. In addition, rocks are scattered over 100 yards of the road. The rockfall also damaged three sections of steel guard rail and 100 linear feet of median barrier. The damage is similar to that resulting from the 2004 rockfall incident, CDOT says.
As an alternate route, those traveling from westbound I-70 are encouraged to exit at US 40/Empire to State Highway 13 and back to I-70; exit in Silverthorne and take State Highway 9 to US 40 and State Highway 13; or exit at Wolcott/State Highway 131 to US 40 and State Highway 13. Those traveling from eastbound I-70 can exit at Rifle/State Highway 13 to US 40 and back to I-70. Travelers may also wish to use US highways 160, 285 and 50 if traveling to destinations south.
To view video of the rockfall site, click here.
It is estimated that this slide brought 20 boulders onto the interstate, ranging in size from three feet to10 feet in diameter, with the largest weighing about 66 tons.
The Colorado Department of Transportation has closed I-70 in both directions at mile market 116 and at Dotsero, mile marker 133. It is unknown when CDOT will reopen this portion. The department plans to blast and break up larger boulders and continue work to assess when a portion of the roadway may be opened for travel. CDOT will implement emergency contracting procedures and meet with contractors over the next couple of days as crews develop repair plans.
By falling onto the interstate, the rocks managed to break holes into the elevated sections of the road, the largest being in the westbound lanes and measuring 20 feet by 10 feet. Another hole in the lower eastbound lanes measures six feet by six feet. There are a half a dozen other holes and "dips" in the roadway, as well as areas where rocks are embedded. In addition, rocks are scattered over 100 yards of the road. The rockfall also damaged three sections of steel guard rail and 100 linear feet of median barrier. The damage is similar to that resulting from the 2004 rockfall incident, CDOT says.
As an alternate route, those traveling from westbound I-70 are encouraged to exit at US 40/Empire to State Highway 13 and back to I-70; exit in Silverthorne and take State Highway 9 to US 40 and State Highway 13; or exit at Wolcott/State Highway 131 to US 40 and State Highway 13. Those traveling from eastbound I-70 can exit at Rifle/State Highway 13 to US 40 and back to I-70. Travelers may also wish to use US highways 160, 285 and 50 if traveling to destinations south.
To view video of the rockfall site, click here.
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