I-70 now open between Wolcott and Glenwood Springs

July 27, 2018

COLORADO - The Colorado Department of Transportation opened I-70 just after 2 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, after two significant mudslides closed the interstate between Glenwood Springs and Wolcott. The mudslides occurred yesterday afternoon (around 1:30 p.m. Friday, July 26), about five miles west of Glenwood Springs in South Canyon as a result of heavy rains. 

The westbound right lane, west of Glenwood Springs, remains closed so that crews may continue clearing any additional mud and debris. Cleanup is expected to continue for much of today (Saturday), and perhaps through the weekend. Travelers are urged to slow down for the reduced speed of 45 mph and watch for crews, as well as heavy equipment. 

CDOT maintenance personnel reported that one mudslide covered approximately 200 feet of highway, while the second slide covered more than 1000 feet of roadway. Some areas of the slide measured three feet deep. The center lane concrete barrier helped contain the slides to the westbound lanes.  

Twenty-five CDOT personnel were on the scene for traffic control, and clean up operations. Two loaders, two plows, a highway broom and four pumps were used to clear the wet, heavy mud from the interstate. 

Travelers can obtain updates about I-70 conditions with CDOT resources that include:

I-70 S Canyon Mudslide.02 (1).jpg I-70 S Canyon Mudslide.01 (1).jpg