Helicopter operations, traffic holds scheduled for I-70 in Glenwood Canyon during week of April 12 and April 19

Travel Advisory

April 12, 2021 - Northwestern Colorado - Delays expected while for necessary work is completed

GLENWOOD CANYON— The Colorado Department of Transportation will oversee necessary helicopter operations in Glenwood Canyon next week, on Wednesday, April 14. The operations are required for replacing power poles in Glenwood Canyon. The poles were damaged by last year’s Grizzly Creek Fire. Helicopter operations are also scheduled to take place during the following week as part of an ongoing rockfall fence project. The helicopter is scheduled, weather permitting, to fly on Wednesday, April 21. Helicopter operations will continue on Thursday, April 22 if work is not completed on Wednesday. 

When the helicopter is airborne, traffic stops on Interstate 70 will be required for eastbound and westbound traffic. These holds are expected to last 15 or 30 minutes, depending on the work taking place, before traffic is released. Please see further below for additional traffic impacts due to other safety-critical projects.

Rock Solid Solutions is the contractor on the rock fence project. Crews have been installing and repairing rockfall fencing that was also damaged during last year’s Grizzly Creek Fire. Permanent and temporary rockfall barriers have been erected in several locations, to help protect against potential rockfall due to wildfire damage in the area. Work is weather dependent and has been ongoing since December 2020 and is expected to be complete early summer 2021.

Travel Impacts Week of April 12

  • On Wednesday, April 14, fifteen minute traffic stops will take place to allow for four power poles to be installed. Motorists should expect four traffic stops, taking place between 9:00 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Travel Impacts Week of April 19

  • On Wednesday, April 21, thirty minute traffic stops will take place throughout the day beginning at 9:00 a.m. The closures are for westbound traffic at Mile Point 123.95 east of the Hanging Lake Tunnel bore and a rolling stop will be in place for eastbound traffic. Thirty minute traffic stops may continue on Thursday, April 22, if necessary to complete work.

  • Continuing project impacts Monday - Friday: a westbound right lane closure from MP 119-125 in place, west of the Hanging Lake Tunnel bore, for fence work on the slopes above the interstate.

Project & Travel Information

For additional information about this project or to sign up for updates, contact the project team. 

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts, anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

Remember: Slow for the Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
  • Be patient!