I-70 Closed Due to Mudslides After Flash Flood Warning
Update: Garfield County Sheriff's Office issued a release with additional information that about 20 people were able to shelter in place within the tunnel through Glenwood Canyon when the mudslides hit. Friday morning, Garfield County Sheriff's Office, Glenwood Fire and a bus from RFTA headed in to rescue the people in the tunnel. CDOT crews led the way, clearing a path through debris to get to them.
Multiple vehicles are still caught in the canyon and CDOT will be busy rescuing those people while cleaning up debris flow.
Multiple mudslides overnight Thursday, July 29 have closed I-70 through Glenwood Canyon once again.
The Colorado Department of Transportation issued a Flash Flood Warning in the evening of July 29. They then released an update the next morning that the safety closure was staying in place because of mudslides.
Motorists are advised to use the recommended northern alternate route. CDOT also suggests travelers plan for significant and lengthy closures.
Closure points have been set at Exits 87 (West Rifle), 109 (Canyon Creek), 116 (Glenwood Springs) and 133 (Dotsero).
The recommended route for anyone traveling westbound from Denver metro is told to exit I-70 at the Silverthorne exit (Exit 205) and travel north on Colorado Highway 9 towards Kremmling. Then, continue west on US Highway 40 and then south on CO 13. This will return you to westbound I-70 at Rifle.
So, if you're planning on heading out west to Glenwood Springs this weekend, maybe switch around some plans.
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