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GLENWOOD CANYON, Colo. (CDOT PRESS RELEASE) – Watch live coverage around 2 p.m. from the 11 Breaking News Center. Video/live stream courtesy of CBS DENVER.
Representatives from the Colorado Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, City of Glenwood Springs, U.S. Forest Service, and contractor partners Lawrence Construction and IHC Scott will meet next week at the rest area from Bair Ranch (exit 129) to update on preparations. to protect Interstate 70 and other infrastructure in Glenwood Canyon this spring and summer. Speakers from CDOT and partner organizations will highlight the teamwork required to carry out these essential preparations. CDOT management and maintenance representatives will also present operational plans for the canyon in the event of future material slides. A press release will be provided after the event, for outlets that are unable to join.
WHAT: Media event to provide an update on the preparations for the spring-summer season. Preparations include work to remove materials from the Colorado River. There will be remarks by representatives of CDOT and partner agencies. The media will have the opportunity to ask questions after the remarks.
WHEN: Tuesday April 26, 2:00-3:00 p.m. Please confirm your attendance by Monday April 25 before noon for
tracy@trulovecommunications.com or (970) 366-2502.
WHERE: CDOT Bair Ranch Rest Area
I-70 Glenwood Canyon Exit 129
https://goo.gl/maps/cCWG7G6Byq5ekz2U6
Landslides in July 2021 caused an extended security closure on I-70 for about two weeks. CDOT crews worked around the clock to remove rocks, dirt, boulders and other debris from the highway. Road repairs were also needed and were completed in December 2021. Since January, contractor partners Lawrence Construction and IHC Scott have focused on removing materials from the Colorado River at six locations. The piles of debris in these locations were created in the summer of 2021 by landslides and other material flows. Material removal significantly helps protect I-70 and other infrastructure in the canyon, reducing the risk of damage from high water or new landslides. The Federal Highway Administration has agreed that runoff hazard mitigation is critical to protecting the freeway and will reimburse state costs under the Emergency Relief Program supporting I-70 repairs over the past several months. . Work is weather dependent and motorists are reminded to drive at posted speeds in the work area and to drive according to conditions.
Be Prepared For Spring, Summer and Fall 2022, CDOT continues to implement an I-70 Glenwood Canyon safety protocol to protect the traveling public. Motorists planning to travel on I-70, visit rest areas, or use the Glenwood Canyon Recreational Trail should pay close attention to weather forecasts. If rain is in the forecast, be prepared for a safety closure of I-70, rest areas, and the recreation trail. CDOT recommends that travelers have a backup plan in case closures are necessary. If a closure is expected to last longer than two hours, CDOT continues to recommend travelers use the northern alternate route.
About CDOT
CDOT has approximately 3,000 employees located at its Denver headquarters and in regional offices across Colorado, and manages more than 23,000 miles of freeway lanes and 3,429 bridges. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of other agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments, and airports. It also administers Bustang, the state-owned and operated inter-regional express service. Governor Polis has tasked CDOT with further developing the state’s intermodal mobility options.
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