8/15/20 > ??? I-70 Closed (Milemarker 116-140)

[InsideOut]

Just in case you are planning a trip along I-70 through Glenwood Springs - Gypsum, CO in the next several days(?) or weeks(?) check in with CDOT for Alternate Routes due to the Grizzly Creek Fire.

"Road Closure: I-70 continues to be closed between Glenwood Springs and Gypsum, with no estimated time for reopening."

The Grizzly Creek fire is about 100 miles west of me, but the smoke even here is very thick...

Shari

[SSquared]

A glimmer of hope....the fire is mostly burning on the north and south sides, and not in the canyon anymore. CDOT has inspected the highway where fire burned under it, and found no damage. Rockfall is still an issue but they are working on that. They say it will be "days, not weeks" until the highway reopens.




Amtrak and freight trains are already running (speed limit 5 mph due to danger of falling debris).

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by SSquared

A glimmer of hope.... They say it will be "days, not weeks" until the highway reopens.

Good news indeed! We live off of US-285 (the major detour route to the south of I-70) and traffic has been much heavier - especially trucks. Also still very hazy...travel safe!

Shari

[Len n Jeanne]

Seconding the idea of checking with CDOT on recommended routes-- vs. just finding a route on a map or GPS and trusting luck. Independence Pass (out of Aspen) is closed to vehicles over 35' in combined length.