GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. — Interstate 70 is back open through Glenwood Canyon after being shut down due to a risk of flooding in the area.
The highway was closed between Exit 114 for West Glenwood and Exit 133 for Dotsero.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) automatically closes the flood-prone stretch of highway anytime a Flash Flood Warning is issued by the National Weather Service.
The warning was issued at 4:15 p.m. The highway was back open by 6:30 p.m.
The Grizzly Creek burn scar is located right near the highway, and burn scars are especially vulnerable to flash flooding due to the lack of vegetation to absorb moisture. As a result, flood-driven mudslides are common near or even over the interstate.
CDOT asked detouring motorists to use the northern alternate route, which adds an extra 2.5 hours of travel time.
CDOT said maintenance crews did a sweep of the canyon to make sure no materials had slid onto the interstate, and deemed it safe to reopen. Maintenance crews will remain on standby at the closure points in case more rain comes tonight.
The area could see light rain on the burn scar Saturday, according to CDOT, but Sunday and Monday are expected to be pleasant and dry.
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