March 8, 2010
AP

A large rockslide — including boulders as large as a semi truck — overnight blocked Interstate 70 in both directions through rugged Glenwood Canyon, closing the freeway between Dotsero and Glenwood Springs and severing a major east-west route across Colorado linking Denver to Grand Junction, the state Department of Transportation said Monday.

Photo: A major rockslide dropped huge boulders on Interstate 70 through Glenwood Canyon (Colorado Department of Transportation).

The rockslide occurred about midnight Sunday just west of the Hanging Lake Tunnel, CDOT spokeswoman Stacey Stegman said.

“The slide has caused two large holes in the westbound bridge/lanes and there are still larger boulders blocking the westbound and eastbound lanes,” Stegman said in a statement.

At least one hole is estimated to be 20 feet across, she said.

Crews were at the scene assessing the situation.

“We have no estimate as to how long the highway will remain closed at this time,” Stegman said.

An estimated 25,000 vehicles travel I-70 through Glenwood Canyon each day.

The freeway is a major access route between Denver and Aspen.

East-west traffic was being diverted to U.S. 40 through Steamboat Springs and U.S. 50 through Gunnison.

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