Travel Alert: Possible Closure Of I-70 In Glenwood Canyon

Western Colorado desperately needs rain, but too much precipitation over the next couple of days could impact I-70 travelers.

It doesn't matter what the season, successfully navigating the interstate from Grand Junction to Denver without significant delays or detours is never guaranteed. It could be rain, snow, fire, avalanche, or accidents, but you just never know what to expect.

Glenwood Canyon Area Rest Areas Closed

Late Wednesday, the Grizzly Creek, Hanging Lake, and Shoshone Power Plant rest areas were closed in Glenwood Canyon along with the Glenwood Canyon recreation path. The Colorado Department of Transportation says the closures are the result of rain that's in the forecast for the Grizzly Creek burn scar.

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Interstate 70 Is Open, But On Alert

So far, Interstate 70 in Glenwood Canyon is open and is not being affected. However, if a flash flood warning goes into effect, CDOT says it will close I-70 in the canyon and at nearby exits. I-70 travelers are advised to check on current conditions at cotrip.org.

With rain in the Glenwood Springs forecast for Thursday and Friday, CDOT says it will be monitoring the forecasts closely. If there is enough rain in the forecast for the Grizzly Creek Fire burn scar above I-70, they would temporarily shut down Interstate 70 through Glenwood Canyon as a precautionary measure.

Rain In the Forecast

While there is no specific timetable for the reopening of the rest areas and recreation path, CDOT says the closures will remain in effect until the forecast improves. That improvement may not come until Sunday at the earliest. The Glenwood Springs forecast is calling for a 60% chance of rain on Thursday, a 50% chance on Friday, and a 60% chance of precipitation on Saturday.

With any luck, the interstate will stay open, but for those with travel plans on the I-70 corridor, it will be a good idea to check on conditions before heading out.