The Colorado Department of Transportation has been forced to shut down 24 miles of I-70 through Glenwood Canyon after two rock slides occurred within 24 hours.
CDOT: I-70 Closed In Both Directions By Rock Slides
Transportation officials have closed I-70 in both directions from Glenwood Springs to Gypsum. They are unsure when they will reopen the road.
Second Rock Slide Hit Truck
The first rock slide happened around 3 a.m. on Monday. Crews were able to clear away the debris but there were still boulders on the side of the road.
The second rock slide hit an 18 wheeler passing through the area. The truck became stuck but the truck driver wasn’t hurt. This rockslide has made the area impassible, causing significant damage to the road, bridge, and guardrail.
Transportation officials recommend that drivers take U.S. 40 through Steamboat Springs, though this will add about three hours to a trip between Walcott and Rifle.
HEADS UP: Long detour in place to avoid I-70 rock slide. Interstate likely closed all day https://t.co/nmycmM7Ekl pic.twitter.com/QNXVAMNdyn
— Denver7 News (@DenverChannel) February 16, 2016
Sources:
The Denver Channel
KDVR