More work, more slowdown in Glenwood Canyon

Wait, there’s more.

Just when we thought the summer of delay through Glenwood Canyon was over, the Colorado Department of Transportation says a critical repair starts today.

CDOT said two bridge-bearing devices must be replaced on Interstate 70 in the canyon, requiring a significant slowdown of eastbound traffic. Work is expected to be completed by Nov. 6.

Given the critical nature of the work, CDOT engineers decided that eastbound traffic must be restricted to one lane and speeds reduced to 25 mph 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the work. Traffic restrictions are necessary to ensure the safety of the public while the bridge is lifted off its pier and the bearing devices are replaced, the agency said.

Additionally, the Glenwood Canyon pedestrian path will be closed to through traffic between Exit 123 (Shoshone) and Exit 125 (Hanging Lake) during working hours Monday through Friday.

Westbound I-70 will be unaffected by the work.

The Hanging Lake Rest Area and trail access will remain open and accessible.

CDOT engineers discovered the damaged bearing devices after the start of this summer’s work in Glenwood Canyon, which included bridge and road-surface work and rockfall mitigation. The device was damaged to a point that required immediate replacement in order to prevent further deterioration and to ensure public safety.