Section of I-70 still shut down – Truckers beware of detour routes

A section of Interstate 70 in Colorado remains shut down due to a forest fire. Truckers are strongly urged to beware of detours. Police are waiting to hand out tickets to truck drivers who are using prohibited routes.

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.

While the general motoring public is being detoured through Independence Pass, truckers are being warned that trucks are prohibited on the Pass.

Despite warnings from the authorities, several truck drivers took the Independence Pass detour. Last week, police were handing out tickets to truckers who attempted to use the Independence Pass detour.

“Either they’re illiterate or they just don’t care,” Sgt. Jesse Steindler of the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office told Summit Daily. “Certainly they are ignorant about what’s waiting for them when they get up on that Pass. It’s completely irresponsible.”

The fine for tractor-trailers on Independence Pass is $1000 plus the tow fees, according to the Colorado State Patrol. Steindler told Summit Daily that his officers had already written three $1,100 citations as of last Monday.

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

“FS Road 400, Eagle-Thomasville Road, has closed due to excessive traffic and accidents resulting from drivers attempting to use this primarily dirt road as an alternate to the I-70 closure. Cottonwood Pass Road in Garfield and Eagle counties and other rural roads are also closed,” Aspen Times reported.

https://www.facebook.com/coloradodot/posts/3163860583668826

CDOT recommends drivers take US 50, which connects US 285 and US 24.

https://www.facebook.com/coloradodot/posts/3153072354747649

At this time, the fire is 0% containted. There is not word on how long the stretch of I-70 will remain shut down.