Interstate 70 in Glenwood Canyon is closed in both directions due to a rock slide just west of Grizzly Creek, CDOT reported the rockslide on Twitter around 1 a.m. Tuesday.
There is no timeframe on when the road will be opened, but the Colorado State Patrol said expected the canyon to be closed “most of the day,” according to a tweet about 5 a.m. Alternative routes are advised.
It does not appear as if any vehicles were involved or that any injuries occurred. The highway is closed at the main Glenwood Springs exit 116 on the canyon’s westside , and at Dotsero (MM 133) on the east side.
In a Twitter post, the Colorado State Patrol said crews will be evaluating safety at daylight. It suggests an alternative route of Highway 131 (Wolcott) to Highway 40 (Steamboat Springs) to Highway 13 (Rifle).
“Do not use Cottonwood Pass,” the tweet says.
ROAD CLOSURE
Glenwood Canyon is CLOSED in both directions due to large rockslide. Crews will be evaluating safety at daylight. Expect extended closure. Alt Route is HWY 131 (Wolcott) to HWY 40 (Steamboat) to HWY 13 (RIFLE). DO NOT USE Cottonwood Pass! pic.twitter.com/Pg7iG9Lb6i— CSP Public Affairs (@CSP_News) February 5, 2019
Cottonwood Pass and numerous other high-mountain passes are closed in the winter, including state Highway 82 over Independence Pass east of Aspen.
The Aspen Times newspaper editions are being sent through an alternative route and not expected to be delivered in Aspen until noon. To read the Aspen Times e-Edition, click here.
With snow in the Glenwood Springs-area forecast through Wednesday, travel advisories are out for other western Colorado highways, as well. The state’s passenger vehicle traction law and a requirement for commercial vehicles to use chains are in effect for State Highway 133 over McClure Pass south of Carbondale.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.