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Traffic holds on I-70 in Glenwood Canyon scheduled one day next week for utility work

15-minute holds necessary to protect traveling public
Community Submission
krzysztof-hepner-SU-i0DSgsVM-unsplash
utility lines Krzysztof Hepner on Unsplash

NEWS RELEASE

COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

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The Colorado Department of Transportation, in support of Xcel Energy and PAR Electric, will conduct westbound and eastbound traffic holds on Interstate 70 in Glenwood Canyon on Thursday, July 28, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. for helicopter operations. The safety-critical operation is required to protect the traveling public on I-70 in Glenwood Canyon as utility supplies are flown above the roadway to the steep slopes in the canyon.

Crews will prepare for the work with the following steps: 

  • On Monday, July 25, the westbound Grizzly Creek off ramp will be closed from 6-7 a.m. for equipment unloading. 
  • On Wednesday, July 27 and Thursday, July 28, there will be a short right lane westbound closure at Mile Point 122 for equipment staging from 6 a.m.-7 p.m. 
  • On Thursday, July 28, a westbound Grizzly Creek rest area ramp closure will be implemented at 8 a.m. in order to stage necessary equipment for helicopter operations.

On Thursday, July 28, Xcel Energy and PAR Electric will commence helicopter operations beginning at 9 a.m. Helicopter operations will allow crews to replace several poles in the canyon. When the helicopter is airborne, traffic stops on I-70 will be required for eastbound and westbound traffic. These holds are expected to last 15 minutes or less, depending on the work taking place, before traffic is released. Helicopter operations will take place on Thursday from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Work is weather-permitting, and CDOT’s safety protocol for Flash Flood Watches and Warnings continues to be in place. As a safety measure, the Glenwood Canyon recreation path will also be closed. The Hanging Lake Tunnel communications center will be monitoring traffic impacts. 
 
Traffic impacts

  • Eastbound and westbound traffic will have planned traffic stops lasting 15-20 minutes, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • On Monday, July 25, the westbound Grizzly Creek off ramp will be closed from 6-7 a.m. for equipment unloading. 
  • On Wednesday, July 27 and Thursday, July 28, there will be a short right lane westbound closure at Mile Point 122 for equipment staging from 6 a.m.-7 p.m.
  • On Thursday, July 28, a westbound Grizzly Creek rest area ramp closure will be implemented at 8 a.m. in order to stage necessary equipment for helicopter operations. The WB ramp will be closed until flight operations are completed. 
  • Intermittent single lane closures throughout the canyon should be expected  Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. throughout the summer construction season and will last into early fall. 

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.
  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
  • 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.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be patient!

About CDOT

The Colorado Department of Transportation’s mission is to provide the best multi-modal transportation system that most effectively and safely moves people, goods and information. CDOT maintains more than 23,000 lane miles of highway, more than 3,400 bridges and 35 mountain passes. Our team of employees works tirelessly to reduce the rate and severity of crashes and improve the safety of all modes of transportation. CDOT leverages partnerships with a range of private and public organizations and operates Bustang, an interregional express bus service. Find more details at codot.gov.

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