The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) says that I-70 will remain closed indefinitely as firefighters work to contain the Grizzly Creek Fire.
CDOT says that I-70 is closed in both directions through Glenwood Canyon, from mile marker 116 to mile marker 140, as the Grizzly Creek Fire spreads.
CDOT is warning truckers to steer clear of some alternate routes:
CDOT asks that motorists not use Cottonwood Pass (Eagle & Garfield counties) or Independence Pass as detour routes, as these roads are not built for heavy traffic or commercial oversize vehicles. Vehicles over 35 feet in length may not use Independence Pass at any time. CDOT recommends that through traffic on I-70 use a southern detour route, on US 50 and US 285, due to construction on commonly used northern alternate routes. We appreciate motorists for planning on alternate routes during this closure.
The fine for tractor trailers on Independence Pass is $1000 plus the tow fees, according to the Colorado State Patrol.
Local law enforcement and social media users have already reported tractor trailers on the restricted passes.
CMVs Do not use cottonwood pass at all. If you are over 35’ in length, you cannot take Independence Pass, you won’t fit. After discovering you won’t fit, it’s a $1000 fine plus a tow truck bill. Please use recommended detours! Thank you for your patience! https://t.co/yzQ7D6PI98
— CSP_MCSAP (@CSP_MCSAP) August 11, 2020
🚧⚠️ Cottonwood pass is closed for a rolled over tractor trailer unknown time for reopening. Eagle County has flaggers our on both sides.
— Eagle County Sheriff's Office (@EagleCountySO) August 11, 2020
Cottonwood Pass⚠️🚧UPDATE: Flaggers are in place for Cottonwood Pass, PASSENGER VEHICLES ONLY!
🚫NO Semis, 🚫NO trailers, 🚫NO Comercial vehicles allowed!! ✅EXPECT LONG DELAYS!!
⚠️Expect a lengthy CLOSURE this evening for recovery mission around 7pm (tractor-trailer recovery)🤔 pic.twitter.com/33nMGleQL2— Eagle County Sheriff’s Office (@EagleCountySO) August 11, 2020
Detour over Independence Pass only to see 2 semis, one a @UPS tandem trying to go on this narrow steep mountain pass #2020belike pic.twitter.com/Ht6c048jGG
— Brian Fisher (@BFish100) August 10, 2020
Glenwood Canyon closure has truckers trying Independence Pass, which is not allowed for semis https://t.co/rp1Cdk65Gg
— Vail Daily (@VailDaily) August 11, 2020
@ColoradoDOT put out a map of viable detours to get around the #GrizzlyCreekFire. Cannot stress this enough: if you’re driving a massive, commercial semi truck, Independence Pass is NOT one of those options. (Already heard a rumor that police had to escort down a Walmart truck.) pic.twitter.com/VVFOfmKQFW
— Megan Tackett (@MeganTackett10) August 11, 2020
The fire started around 1:30 p.m. on Monday, August 10. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the Grizzly Creek Fire has burned more than 1800 acres.