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I-70 closed through Glenwood Canyon due to mudslides, flash-flood threat

Interstate 70 is once again closed through Glenwood Canyon due to mudslides and flash-flood concerns.

The Colorado Department of Transportation announced the closure before 9 p.m. on Tuesday and it remains closed Wednesday morning.

The roadway is closed at Exit 87 (West Rifle), Exit 109 (Canyon Creek), Exit 116 (Glenwood Springs) and Exit 133 (Dotsero), according to CDOT.

CDOT said Wednesday morning there is no estimated time to reopen the interstate.

The engineering marvel that is this stretch of interstate has been closed after storms or flash-flood threats several times this summer. Mudslides have come down the side of the canyon from the burn scar caused by the Grizzly Creek fire, which scorched 32,000 acres in the canyon in 2020.

The hours-long detour around this stretch of I-70 takes travelers from westbound on I-70 to a turn north onto Colo. 9. In Kremmling, motorists are to turn onto westbound U.S. 40 toward Steamboat Springs. After reaching Craig, drivers should return south via Colo. 13 toward Rifle. Access to I-70 westbound is at Rifle. From the Western Slope, the directions are in reverse.

The route is about 100 miles longer, and it takes drivers into far northwest Colorado. Non-commercial motorists can use Colo. 82 over Independence Pass.

CDOT has warned against using vehicle navigation applications to look for alternate routes.

Officials also ask that if you are caught in adverse conditions, wait for the road to clear and do not leave your vehicle unless necessary.

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