Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority
March 22, 2023, 10:53 a.m. – I-70 is open at mile-marker 116 EB, Glenwood Springs. Please drive with care.
March 22, 2023, 10:01 a.m. – I-70 is closed at mile-marker 116 EB, Glenwood Springs, for a safety closure. There are multiple accidents along I-70. Please drive with care.
2.16.23, 10:40 a.m. – Crews are working to safely remove the commercial motor vehicle (semi truck). Motorists should expect delays traveling through the canyon.
2.15.23, 10:15 p.m. – STATEWIDE – Crews have reopened both westbound lanes on I-70 in Glenwood Canyon and one eastbound lane between exit 133 (Dotsero) and exit 116 (Glenwood Springs) after cleaning up a commercial motor vehicle crash earlier in the day. One lane eastbound will remain closed overnight until crews can remove the remainder of the wreckage in the morning.
If motorists need an alternate route, CDOT recommends using the southern alternate route (more info below). The route will add several hours of travel time. CDOT continues to strongly advise against using the northern alternate route, due to powerful winter weather conditions and road closures. All updates will continue to post to COtrip.org. More pictures will be posted on the CDOT Facebook page as they become available.
One commercial motor vehicle was involved in the crash, which took place today at the same location as a CMV crash and extended closure on Jan. 30. The crash took place at approximately 4:15 p.m. The tractor-trailer crashed while traveling westbound, west of Hanging Lake Tunnel. Speed is being investigated as a factor in the crash. Speed limits were lowered in Glenwood Canyon today during winter weather conditions and a slick roadway surface.
Alternate routes
CDOT strongly advises motorists to check weather and travel conditions before using the southern alternate route. It is very important to check COtrip.org and weather forecasts before traveling. Smartphone users can also use CDOT’s free COtrip Planner mobile app. Drivers should anticipate additional traffic on the route.
Southern alternate route
To use the southern alternate route, westbound motorists from the Denver metro area can travel on US 285 to US 50, and continue west to Grand Junction. Travelers on I-70 can use CO 9 to US 285 south to US 50, or use CO 91 southwest to US 24 to US 50. Eastbound motorists traveling from the Grand Junction area can use US 50 east to US 285 and continue to Denver and areas nearby.
Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority
2.15.23, 10:36 p.m. – I-70 is open between mile markers 133 to 116 both directions, Dotsero to Glenwood Springs.
Colorado Department of Transportation
2.15.23, 6:08 p.m. – Southern alternate route is open, however CDOT strongly advises motorists to check weather and travel conditions before using alternate route
STATEWIDE – A safety closure is in place for Interstate 70 in Glenwood Canyon for eastbound and westbound traffic due to a commercial vehicle crash. The closure is in place between exit 133 (Dotsero) and exit 116 (Glenwood Springs) and is expected to last for several hours. The commercial motor vehicle crash is located at Mile Point 124.6, east of Glenwood Springs, and requires coordinated removal operations. If motorists need an alternate route, CDOT recommends using the southern alternate route (more info below). The route will add several hours of travel time. CDOT strongly advises against using the northern alternate route, due to powerful winter weather conditions and road closures. All updates will continue to post to COtrip.org. More pictures will be posted on the CDOT Facebook page as they become available.
One commercial motor vehicle was involved in the crash, which took place today at the same location as a CMV crash and extended closure on Jan. 30. The crash took place at approximately 4:15pm. The tractor-trailer crashed while traveling westbound, west of Hanging Lake Tunnel. Speed is being investigated as a factor in the crash. Speed limits were lowered in Glenwood Canyon today during winter weather conditions and a slick roadway surface.
Crews are working to clear the vehicle, which was carrying canned beverages. It is possible crews will be able to reopen the roadway this evening with one lane of traffic in each direction. This will depend on how removal operations go and weather conditions. The scene is being evaluated to see if there was a hazardous materials spill. The only hazardous material identified so far is the diesel used to power the vehicle.
Alternate Routes
CDOT strongly advises motorists to check weather and travel conditions before using the southern alternate route. It is very important to check COtrip.org and weather forecasts before traveling. Smartphone users can also use CDOT’s free COtrip Planner mobile app. Drivers should anticipate additional traffic on the route.
Southern Alternate Route
To use the southern alternate route, westbound motorists from the Denver metro area can travel on US 285 to US 50, and continue west to Grand Junction. Travelers on I-70 can use CO 9 to US 285 south to US 50, or use CO 91 southwest to US 24 to US 50. Eastbound motorists traveling from the Grand Junction area can use US 50 east to US 285 and continue to Denver and areas nearby.
2.15.23, 4:54 p.m. – I-70 closed both directions in Glenwood Canyon, mile post 116 to mile post 133, due to rollover semi. Expect extended closure. Available detours: US-50, CO-91, US-24, US-285.
Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority
2.15.23, 4:16 p.m. – Interstate 70 is closed between mile markers 116 and 133 in both directions, Glenwood Canyon, due to an accident.
Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority
1.30.23, 11:42 p.m. – UPDATE: I-70 is open at mile marker 116 eastbound, Glenwood Springs. Glenwood Canyon is now open.
Colorado Department of Transportation
1.30.23, 10:14 p.m. – UPDATE: Westbound I-70 Glenwood Canyon REOPENS after vehicle crash. Crews worked throughout the day to safely clear away a crashed commercial motor vehicle. Crews have reopened westbound Interstate 70 in Glenwood Canyon after the extended closure. Eastbound I-70 is anticipated to open within the hour. The closure was necessary for crews to safely clear a commercial vehicle that crashed on I-70 east of Glenwood Springs, Road conditions are available at COtrip.org.
1.30.23, 1:24 p.m. – STATEWIDE – A safety closure is in place for Interstate 70 in Glenwood Canyon for eastbound and westbound traffic due to a vehicle crash. The extended closure is in place between exit 133 (Dotsero) and exit 116 (Glenwood Springs) and is expected to last at least through tonight. The commercial motor vehicle crash is located at Mile Point 124.6, east of Glenwood Springs, and will require extensive removal operations. The alternate routes will add several hours of travel time (more info below). All updates will continue to post to COtrip.org. More pictures will be posted on the CDOT Facebook page and added to a media kit folder as they become available.
One commercial motor vehicle was involved in the crash. The tractor-trailer crashed while traveling westbound, west of Hanging Lake Tunnel. The trailer is currently blocking westbound traffic, and the tractor traveled over the guardrail down onto eastbound lanes. Secondary crashes also took place nearby as vehicles tried to avoid the crashed CMV. Crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to clear the CMV, secondary crashes and motorists waiting in the queue behind the crash.
Alternate Routes
CDOT strongly advises motorists to check weather and travel conditions before using the northern or southern alternate routes. It is very important to check COtrip.org and weather forecasts before traveling on either route. They are more remote than I-70 and have limited cell service in places. Smartphone users can also use CDOT’s free COtrip Planner mobile app. Drivers should anticipate additional traffic on these routes.
Northern Alternate Route
To use the northern alternate route, westbound motorists from the Denver metro area will exit I-70 at exit 205 (Silverthorne) and travel north on Colorado Highway 9 towards Kremmling. At Kremmling, travelers will continue west on US Highway 40 until the intersection with Colorado Highway 13 in Craig. Turn south on CO 13 to complete the alternate route and return to westbound I-70 at Rifle (exits 87 or 90). Eastbound motorists can travel the same route in reverse. Motorists should be prepared for icy and snowpacked areas along this route and are encouraged to drive for the conditions.
Southern Alternate Route
To use the southern alternate route, westbound motorists from the Denver metro area can travel on US 285 to US 50, and continue west to Grand Junction. Travelers on I-70 can use CO 9 to US 285 south to US 50, or use CO 91 southwest to US 24 to US 50. Eastbound motorists traveling from the Grand Junction area can use US 50 east to US 285 and continue to Denver and areas nearby.
Know Before You Go
Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:
Road conditions and travel information website: www.COtrip.org
1.30.23, 11:50 a.m. – I-70 is closed in both directions between exit 133: Dotsero and exit 114: West Glenwood (Glenwood Springs) due to a semi-truck crash. Proceed with caution, expect lengthy delays. No detour available at this time.
Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority
1.30.23, 11:35 am – I-70 is closed between mile-markers 116-133 both directions, Glenwood Springs Canyon, due to an accident.
Semi trucks and a tanker crashed in Glenwood Canyon on Interstate 70.
1.17.23, 9:45 am – Westbound I-70 continues to be closed due to a vehicle crash. Motorists should anticipate the westbound safety closure being in place until at least this evening (Mon. 1/17/2023). Westbound motorists will be routed onto the northern alternate route. The alternate route will add at least 2.5 hours travel time. Please see below for more info. Eastbound continues to be open. All updates will continue to post to COtrip.org.
Three trucks crashed in Glenwood Canyon on Interstate 70 near Glenwood Springs.
Northern alternate route: It is very important to check COtrip.org and weather forecasts before traveling on the northern alternate route. It is a more remote route with limited cell service and services. To use the northern alternate route, westbound motorists from the Denver metro area will exit I-70 at exit 205 (Silverthorne) and travel north on Colorado Highway 9 towards Kremmling. At Kremmling, travelers will continue west on US Highway 40 until the intersection with Colorado Highway 13 in Craig. Turn south on CO 13 to complete the alternate route and return to westbound I-70 at Rifle (exits 87 or 90). Motorists should be prepared for icy and snowpacked areas along this route and are encouraged to drive for the conditions.
Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority
1.17.23, 7:21 am – I-70 is closed at mile-marker 133 westbound, Dotsero, due to an accident.