Dowd Junction rock work done for week; Glenwood Canyon delays next

Traffic stops for rock mitigation operations on Interstate 70 through Dowd Canyon were completed by 12:30 p.m. Monday, July 15. The Colorado Department of Transportation had been intermittently stopping traffic on eastbound and westbound I-70 since 6 a.m. No more work is scheduled for the remainder of the week.

Geological staff determined enough rock was brought down with today’s operation to allow normal traffic flow to resume on I-70 for now, just west of Vail.  

Additional mitigation operations are expected to be scheduled through Dowd Canyon later this month. CDOT will provide advance notifications when work is scheduled to resume.

As part of its Whole System – Whole Safety campaign, CDOT prioritizes the removal or the securing of potential, identified hazards such as loose rocks and boulders. This operation will provide I-70 drivers with a safety enhancement through an area that is prone to rockfall. 

Delays start for Xcel helicopter work in Glenwood Canyon

Helicopter operations for Xcel Energy electric transmission line work in Glenwood Canyon is expected to begin as early as today (July 15) and continue through October.

This work will require periodic road closures and rolling roadblocks along parts of U.S. Interstate 70 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. MDT, Mondays through Saturdays, in the project area (between the Shoshone Hydroelectric Plant and the City of Glenwood Springs, highway mile markers 117-124).

Rolling road closures will affect both westbound and eastbound I-70, lasting for approximately 10–15 minutes at a time, several times a day for safety, as the helicopters pass overhead. After each helicopter flight, the road will reopen when it is safe to resume traffic.

Helicopter operations are needed to remove old structures and install new structures. The helicopter will transport crews and equipment. Road impacts are subject to change due to weather conditions, material delivery and construction schedule.

RECREATION IMPACTS

Recreational users, such as hikers and rafters, may be subject to intermittent delays during construction.

Flaggers will be posted on the Glenwood Canyon trail and rivers put-ins to keep users informed of short delays.

Cyclists and pedestrians interested in utilizing the path should frequently check the CDOT website for updates, information can be found on the www.COTRIP.org page under the Travel Alerts Tab/Statewide Alerts.

In order to maintain pathway safety, CDOT reminds cyclists and pedestrians to please obey all warning and closure signs. Cooperation from all users is greatly appreciated.

Glenwood Canyon bike path is open to the public; those wishing to bike or hike Hanging Lake will need to make a reservation for a permit on www.visitglenwood.com/hanginglake.

Updates are also available via Twitter @coloradodot and Facebook.