Residents have been dealing with long stops at Market Street for large amounts of traffic as Highway 13 remains an official detour. |
SELENA STEELE PHOTO
RBC I An update from CDOT on the status of I-70 through Glenwood Canyon Wednesday indicates Glenwood Canyon will reopen on Saturday afternoon.
“Clearing and ultimately re-opening the I-70 corridor through Glenwood Springs is our top transportation priority. This corridor plays a vital role in our state’s economy and for many Coloradans traveling to get to work, school, and homes along the western slope. CDOT and State Emergency Operations have made tremendous progress in cleaning up and removing tons of mud and debris that have completely blocked off access to this roadway,” said Governor Polis. “As the state recovers from this incident and reopens this corridor Saturday afternoon, we will continue to need strong federal partners in the Biden administration and our federal delegation.”
A press release from the governer’s office stated, “There is extensive work to be accomplished over the next four days that includes completing material removal at westbound Milepost 123.5 and the state commends Xcel for speeding up the extensive work they need to accomplish to hit this timeline.”
As of Monday, CDOT crews had removed more than 1,440 truckloads of debris from the roadway in Glenwood Canyon, up to 26 million pounds of material between July 30 and Aug. 8.
Colorado State Patrol has scheduled increased staffing — including an additional 22 trooper shifts focused on alternative routes — for a two week period following the start of the closure. Motorists are asked not to use 911 for road closure or route information, and are instead directed to visit www.cotrip.org. To report aggressive drivers, please call *CSP, not 911.
Governor Polis has requested $116 million in funding from the Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief program.
Special to the Herald Times
