Avalanche Hits Semi, Shuts Down I-70 Over Vail Pass
An early morning avalanche has forced the closure of I-70 in both directions over Vail Pass in Colorado.
The avalanche happened just before 3 a.m. at mile marker 186.4. Snow is believed to be as deep as 15 feet on some parts of I-70.
CDOT shut down the interstate from mile marker 176 to 195.
A semi hauling mail was partially buried by the avalanche. The truck driver was not injured and no other vehicles were involved.
Avalanche blocking both west and east I-70 Vail pass. Road closures at Vail and Copper Mtn. pic.twitter.com/WjrqDaXnh1
— CSP Eagle (@CSP_Eagle) January 10, 2017
Colorado State Troopers hope to have the interstate reopened by 10 or 11 a.m.
Eastbound semis are being stopped at Exit 133 and asked to park until the interstate reopens.
Keep up to speed with the latest road closure information at CDOT’s website.
Avalanche reduction work continues on Vail Pass. If all goes well, we hope I70 will open between 10:00 & 11:00AM pic.twitter.com/5HbTaKkZDW
— CSP Eagle (@CSP_Eagle) January 10, 2017
Sources:
KDVR
9 News
The Denver Channel