Truckers warned to stay off Independence Pass during I-70 closure

Colorado transportation officials are reminding truckers to use approved detour routes during the extended closure of I-70 through Glenwood Canyon.

Last weekend, heavy rain triggered flash flooding and mudslides that forced the shutdown of both directions of I-70 through Glenwood Canyon.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) says that the interstate will remain closed “indefinitely” at Exit 87 (West Rifle), Exit 109 (Canyon Creek), Exit 116 (Glenwood Springs) and Exit 133 (Dotsero), due to the mudslides.

You can see drone footage of the damage below.

The interstate closure is causing headaches for many truck drivers as CDOT advises detouring onto I-80 through Wyoming.

CDOT is warning truckers not to attempt to use Independence Pass as an alternate route: “NO CMV or Vehicles over 35′ allowed. Delivery vehicles, RVs and trailers should not use use Independence Pass to bypass the Interstate closure. Route is a narrow, high mountain roadway with tight switchbacks and heavy tourist traffic.”

In order to enforce the CMV restrictions on Independence Pass, CDOT has stationed personnel at both ends to try to turn around any truck drivers who might attempt the route.

The fine for trucks caught on Independence Pass is $1000 plus the tow fees, according to the Colorado State Patrol.

For the latest travel information from CDOT, please click here.